Walk-up Song:
Houdini by Eminem
Notable Strengths as a Player:
As a player, my strengths are my ability to see the ball, square it up, and put it in play. I'm a tall multi-sport athlete who is still growing and gaining more power as I settle into my body. I'm a smart ball player who thinks a step ahead, and I’m versatile, having started games at all infield positions in high school. I have good command of the ball and an effective off-speed pitch.
Favorite Baseball Memory:
My favorite baseball memory is my first home run. I wasn’t always the strongest guy when I was younger. I hit the ball hard and had the highest batting average but didn’t have the long ball power of some. Hitting my first home run against a kid three years older was a reminder of the strength and skill I have inside myself. My family was there cheering me on. All reminders of my foundation.
Favorite MLB Player:
Freddie Freeman
Mental Game Preparation:
I like to mentally prepare for games by listening to music. It helps me zone in and focus on body awareness. I can hone into what my arm feels like. I visualize what I’d like to happen in the game and push out negative thoughts. I breathe in and out, visualize, and repeat the positive mantras.
Approach to Training and Conditioning:
100% effort every time. I know that if I’m not working out, someone else is. I try to be intentional with my lifting and conditioning, so I asked my strength and conditioning coach for a plan to help me reach my goals. I also work on my nutrition to ensure I’m fueling my body to train and grow and develop.
Handling Setbacks and Failures:
I accept the fact that I’m going to fail. I remind myself that if I’m not failing, I’m probably not challenging myself. When I fail, I hang on to the learning experience, let go of the failure, and turn the page.
Staying Motivated Throughout a Long Season:
I love baseball even through the ups and downs. A day on the field is a great day. When I’m in a tough spot or the season feels long, I lean on my faith and my family. They are my foundation. It also helps I’m naturally competitive with everything I do.
Leadership Qualities:
My parents raised me to be a hard worker, and fortunately, I have some good role models who show me what it means to work hard and lead. My strength as a leader is my work ethic. I’m the first kid to get to the field and the last to leave. I’m the first to grab my buddies on and off day and get some extra work in. I know I might not have the most talent on the field, but I can always be the hardest worker.
Hobbies Outside of Baseball:
Outside of baseball, I’m a big sports guy. I love to play basketball and pickleball. I watch a lot of football, baseball, and basketball at the collegiate and professional level. I’ve grown up in a family of coaches, and I get to share that with them, coaching baseball and softball. I also love to read, referee/umpire, lift, and play video games.
Educational Goals:
Academically, I am focused on maintaining my 4.0 and challenging myself with dual credit, honors, and AP courses. I am really interested in sports medicine and am thinking about furthering my education as a doctor or physician assistant.
Favorite Thing About Playing Baseball:
The game of baseball is almost magical. It’s a game that my family loves and that I grew up watching them play. I’ve loved it all of my life. I love the fun atmosphere and the feeling of walking onto the field the first inning when it is go time. I love the sound of a hard hit off the bat and the way a filthy pitch can bring someone to their knees.
Advice to a Young Player Aspiring to Play at Your Level:
I’d tell a young player not every day will be great. Sometimes you will get coached hard. You are going to have to handle it and be tough, but those tough times can make you great. Mediocre players take games seriously. Good players take games and practices seriously. Great players take games, practices, weight room, nutrition, and school seriously.
College Aspirations Regarding Baseball:
I aspire to play four years of collegiate ball and, looking back after those four years, knowing I left it all on the field.
