CANYON — After a decorated career that included stops at two different schools in the Texas Panhandle, one of the region’s best baseball players in recent memory is heading to San Angelo.
Payton Bush, a former Randall High School star turned Amarillo College standout, committed to Angelo State University in early March, joining a Rams‘ program that is currently one of the best in the nation.
After coming to the Badgers with a solid skill set, Bush has continued to improve in two years playing under the tutelage of head coach Brandon Rains. When the 2024-25 campaign ends, Bush will make the transition from the junior college level to an elite four-year Division II program.
It will certainly be a large jump for the talented middle infielder, nicknamed Peewee, but it’s one that Bush has been preparing for since his time as a Raider.
Bush’s journey to ASU
Bush excelled at Randall, earning All-State honors three times in addition to being named Amarillo Globe-News Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore and AGN player of the year as a senior in 2023.
The former Raiders‘ standout played under head coach Cory Hamilton and alongside a number of future four-year players, including Amarillo College teammate and Western Kentucky pledge Duncan Bowles. Bush said that his time at Randall was what initially helped prepare him for college baseball, crediting his coaches and teammates.
“(My time at Randall) prepared me for everything,” Bush said. “That made me the player I am today. Randall, coach (Cory) Hamilton, he made me the player that I am. The boys that I had on the Randall team made me who I am.”
Bush followed up his accomplished high school career with a solid freshman season, earning Western Junior College Athletic Conference Honorable Mention recognition as a freshman. The skilled shortstop was also named the team’s Defensive MVP in 2024-25.
Even after a solid opening campaign, though, the Badgers head coach said that Bush still need to grow in the batter’s box to be prepared for a high-level four-year program.
According to Rains, Bush’s continued improvement on offense not only turned him into an even better player for Amarillo College, but it’s also what garnered the attention of Angelo State’s coaching staff.
“If you hit you won’t sit,” Rains said. “And that’s what he’s done. He got on the field because of his defense, but his offense has really made strides, and that’s what got him a scholarship to the next level.”
Rains also noted that Amarillo College has a good relationship with the Rams’ coaching staff, adding that ASU was impressed by Bush when they came to see him play live. Angelo State is currently No. 9 in the NCBWA National Poll, and won a national championship in 2023.
After strong careers at two schools in the Texas Panhandle, Bush is excited to start his next chapter in the Concho Valley.
“They’re a winning school,” Bush said. “They’ve got everything there. I mean, the field, everything. The coaches. Just a really good fit for me. … Me and the coaches are really tight. I like the head coach (Kevin Brooks). He’s funny, he’s a great guy. (Assistant coach Adam) Foster, we talk a lot. The connection is really good.”
Finding joy in baseball
While he is leaving the Amarillo area, Bush mentioned that he’s thankful for his career in the Texas Panhandle.
This mentality carries over onto the diamond for the Badgers’ sophomore, who plays the game with a visible joy and excitement.
“(Angelo State fans) can expect me having fun out there,” Bush said. “Me being the guy I am, I’m going to have fun. I’m going to be a little crazy out there, but, hopefully they’ll come and watch us.”
Bush’s coach agreed, highlighting his star defender’s positive attitude and commending his presence in the locker room.
“He’s a fun-loving guy,” Rains said. “He doesn’t get too overwhelmed by mistakes. He’s pretty even-keel. He’s an upbeat guy and he’s a leader by example, and he can be a leader, when he has to be, vocally as well. Overall, his mindset is to go out there and have fun and play the game and not go too high and too low.”
Following two strong seasons at Amarillo College and a storied career at Randall, Bush will get to bring this same passion for baseball to Foster Field in San Angelo when he suits up for the Rams next season.
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