- July 2015
Personal Statement
One of my dreams is to play baseball for as long as I can. I set hefty goals for myself and push to meet them. I always give maximum effort in everything I do, whether it is in practice, a game, or the classroom. I am the kind of person who will do whatever is asked of me without question. I do not get down on myself if I make a mistake, and I always pickup my teammates if they should happen to make a mistake. I always encourage my teammates to do their best and remind them to think ahead to the next play. I keep a level head and never let my emotions get the best of me. I try to make not only myself better, but everyone around me. I put my team, my family, and my friends ahead of myself.
I practice throughout the year to improve my skills. I am willing to play where I am needed on the field. During my sophomore year of high school, our varsity team needed a right-fielder. Knowing I had never played this position, my high school coach had faith in my ability and asked me to move from my normal position of catcher. I worked throughout the winter to improve my skills so I could benefit the team and started 24 out of our 25 games. Prior to the start of my junior year, our team lost our first baseman due to a season-ending shoulder injury, and I was asked to play this position. Also during my junior year I was asked to pitch. I finished the season with a 3-1 record, including a no-hit shutout and a 2.07 ERA (lowest on the team) in 27 innings pitched.
Offensively I am an aggressive hitter and had a 0.422 batting average my junior season. I never watch 3rd strikes. I understand my role as a hitter is to get on base and to move runners, even if that means laying down a sacrifice bunt. I love to attack outside pitches and drive the ball backside. At the end of my junior season, I was an OHSBCA East District Division 2 1st team and East Central Ohio League 1st team selection.
I have been the primary catcher for every travel team that I have played with since I was twelve years old. This experience has helped me to understand situations as they happen on the field. Playing unknown teams has helped me learn to read batters, runners, and pitchers. I find it very important to build rapport with umpires. My pitching experience during the school season has made me a better catcher and makes it easier for me to help bring out the best in pitchers.
