Rooted in East Texas, Bound for the Big Leagues: Peyton Havard Signs with the Phillies

Peyton Havard pitching for Lamar University. Photo courtesy of Lamar University.

Small-town roots, major league dreams. That’s the story of Peyton Havard—who officially signed with the Philadelphia Phillies this month after a standout senior season at Lamar University, where he helped lead the Cardinals to a late-season surge with power, poise, and precision on the mound.

Havard, a 2020 graduate of Bridge City High School, has strong ties to Kirbyville, having attended school locally from kindergarten through eighth grade. His journey from East Texas ballfields to professional baseball is being celebrated across the region.

His ties to local leadership run deep as well. Peyton is the nephew of Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard and cousin of Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard, giving him strong family connections to public service across the area.

In a phone interview with the East Texas Banner, Peyton Havard reflected on his journey and expressed deep gratitude for the community support that helped shape him.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I’m incredibly thankful for the coaches and mentors who’ve helped me along the way—especially those from Kirbyville, Bridge City, and Lamar University. The support means everything to me. No matter where baseball takes me, Southeast Texas will always be home.”

Havard made a name for himself on the mound this season, emerging as one of Lamar’s most dominant pitchers. He wrapped his senior year with a 7-2 record, five saves, and a 2.73 ERA across 62.2 innings—earning second team All-Southland Conference honors and recognition as a Division I All-American by 6-4-3 Charts.

Photo courtesy of Lamar University.

His leadership and determination were key to Lamar’s late-season push. “Don’t leave any pitches in the tank,” he told reporters earlier this year—a mindset that powered him through high-pressure innings and caught the attention of MLB scouts.

Off the field, Havard’s accomplishments are just as impressive. He recently earned his degree in Business from Lamar University, graduating this May alongside 58 fellow student-athletes.

As Havard sets his sights on the next chapter with the Phillies, the Kirbyville community—and East Texas as a whole—can take pride in knowing one of their own is stepping onto the national stage. And while his jersey may now say “Philadelphia,” it’s clear his heart will always carry the spirit of the place that raised him.