Twin Brothers Face Off on the Diamond: Texas’ Rylan Galvan Catches as UTRGV’s Rene Galvan Steps Up to Bat
AUSTIN — In a unique and heartwarming moment at UFCU Disch-Falk Field, baseball became a family affair Tuesday night as Texas Longhorns catcher Rylan Galvan (6) crouched behind the plate while his twin brother, UTRGV outfielder Rene Galvan (25), stepped into the batter’s box.
The scene was equal parts competitive and emotional as the twin brothers from Mission, Texas found themselves on opposite sides of the game — Rylan in burnt orange and Rene in Vaquero navy and orange. It marked the first time the two have faced each other in a collegiate matchup, drawing smiles and cheers from fans and family members alike.
“It’s something we’ve dreamed about since we were little,” Rylan said after the game. “We’ve played on the same team our whole lives until now, so to actually see him standing in the box while I’m behind the plate… that was surreal.”
The matchup came during the Longhorns’ midweek non-conference game against the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where the atmosphere took on a special tone when the Galvan brothers met in the third inning. As Rene dug into the batter’s box, he and Rylan shared a grin before focusing in on the at-bat.
“It was all love before and after,” Rene said, “but during those pitches, we both locked in. I wanted to get a hit just as bad as he wanted to throw me out.”
In a five-pitch at-bat, Rene fouled off a couple of fastballs before lining out to left field. Though he didn’t reach base, the moment was a win for the family and a testament to their shared journey in baseball.
Both Galvans were standout players at Mission High School, leading their team to playoff appearances and collecting district honors. Their paths diverged after graduation: Rylan committed to the University of Texas, where he’s seen time behind the plate as part of the Longhorns’ young core, while Rene chose UTRGV, quickly establishing himself as a reliable outfielder and bat in the lineup.
“I’m proud of both of them,” their father, Rudy Galvan, said in the stands. “No matter the outcome of the game, moments like this make it all worth it.”
Texas went on to defeat UTRGV, but the highlight of the night was a brotherly showdown — one that added a personal chapter to a game already rich in tradition.