When baseball was added as an intercollegiate sport at Wayland Baptist University in 1992, it was expected that the young team would struggle initially, and it did, but out of that first group of athletes emerged a player whose exploits on the diamond would transcend through time.

Michael Reyes arrived at Wayland in August 1991 from Medina Valley High School.  During his freshman season, Reyes was the team’s batting champion.  He also was the club leader in doubles, triples, home runs, and stolen bases, but it was during his second year at Wayland that Reyes really made a name for himself.
 
He hit an astounding .503 in 1993 with an even more impressive slugging percentage of 1.021, both of which remained school records in 2009.  Reyes recorded 19 doubles, 7 triples and 17 home runs with 70 runs scored, 72 runs batted in, and 28 stolen bases.  Those statistics earned him not only team Most Valuable Player honors, but also unanimous NAIA District 8 Player of the Year honors.  He became the first Pioneer to be named a NAIA Player of the Week, and in 2009 he remained Wayland’s only 1^st team NAIA All-American.

To top off his magical season, Reyes was selected in the 49^th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Florida Marlins.

Reyes returned to WBU for one more year in 1994.  He had another successful season and helped lead the Pioneers to their first winning record and first appearance in post-season play.  His 77 runs scored remained a school record.  He was named District 8 Player of the Week, was recognized as team MVP once again, made the All-District 8 team for the second straight year, and was selected to the All-Tournament team at the District 8 Championship Tournament.

Selected once again by the Marlins in the MLB draft, this time in the 26^th round, Reyes left Wayland following his junior season.  At the time of his induction in 2009, his name was still featured prominently in the list of career records, including most runs scored (177), most triples (17), most stolen bases (80), most walks (95) and best slugging percentage (.698).

After spending time in the Marlins and the Montreal Expos baseball organizations, Reyes eventually returned to Wayland to finish his education.  He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education in May 1997.