Austin High School has been the proving ground for elite talent since 1881, but few names carry the weight of Don Baylor. The City of Austin recently solidified that legacy by officially dedicating Don Baylor Park (formerly Westenfield Park) in honor of the 1967 Austin High graduate. This dedication is a powerful tribute to a man whose journey from the West 12th Street neighborhood to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball defines the prestige of the Maroon program.

Don Baylor was a multi-sport phenom during his time at Austin High. His career spanned 50 years in the big leagues as a power-hitting MVP and a World Series-winning manager, but he always credited his years in the West Cesar Chavez halls for “bringing folks together.” Having a city landmark bear the Baylor name serves as a permanent reminder to our current student-athletes that the path to professional greatness starts right here on our campus at Austin High.

While Baylor’s story is a cornerstone of our history, he is the vanguard of a century-long line of Austin High icons who have shaped the American sporting landscape. From the Masters champions to the NFL stars who followed in his footsteps, the “Loyal Forever” network is built on this kind of unrivaled pedigree. We congratulate the Baylor family on this well-deserved honor and invite all of Maroon Nation to visit the park and celebrate the history of a true Austin legend.