Ever since I was young, baseball has been a staple in my life. From merely watching the game as a young kid to then begging my brothers and father to, “throw me the heater,” baseball always kept me coming back for more. However, growing up in Alaska, the baseball scene is not as pronounced as compared to other states. Which makes it difficult to play year round. This has left me to develop an unwavering self discipline. Whether it be hitting off the tee or fielding tennis balls in my garage or working in small indoor facilities I have tried to squeeze out every last ounce of baseball Alaska has to offer. Unfortunately, however, I had seriously injured both shoulders during my sophomore year of high school and baseball was put on halt.
Curious to try something new, I played football. After a few years I had subluxated my left shoulder and later broke my Ac joint in my right shoulder. My pride served as a manipulator as I thought toughing it out would be a good idea. To no surprise, it was not a good idea and I had left myself in a deep, self dug hole. I had to miss my sophomore season and put baseball on hold. It was an extremely frustrating and sad time for me as my dreams to play baseball drowned before my eyes. Surgery was an option, but I felt as if I was giving up on my own ability to overcome this obstacle if I did that. Instead, I met with a sports medicine doctor who required my utmost determination and self disciplined self. He sugar coded nothing and told me if I wanted to come back from such serious injuries it would require an insane amount of work and effort. Which, it did. I spent hours upon hours of physical therapy and other treatments to simply get my shoulders in the position to be usable. Which, thankfully, allowed me to play my junior season. But, my arm was still in no condition to be efficiently throwing a baseball without worry. My hopes to play college baseball had nearly dissipated at that point, but for some reason I kept going.
I had continued to work on improving my shoulders and as of a few months ago joined the local Tom House (well known arm care/improvement analyst in the sports world) program here in Alaska. Since then, I have made significant improvements and now see college baseball as a possible future again. Both shoulders are doing extremely well, with good strength and great flexibility in both. The past three years of baseball for me have been filled with obstacles, challenges, heartache, and a whole lot of effort, but I am finally in a position where I can begin to really build my skill sets and go beyond.
Although some days I regret my injuries, I realize now that they were pivotal in my character development. These obstacles have solidified my determination and discipline, while humbling me and teaching me many lessons. Ever since I was young I have been a leader, but I think I now have an understanding of what it actually means to be a leader. Although being a leader means many things, in this context it means to understand your people and their strengths, so that each person can learn and grow. A real leader is someone who is supported and learns from the people around him. That's how great teams, communities, and nations are built.
I am very excited to continue my baseball career and see what new experiences it brings me. I am looking for a school where I can compete, learn, get a great education and that is affordable. My plan is to progress in my skills, mentality, and my overall character, so that I may become the man I am destined to be. Furthermore, I am a versatile player and can play at any position. I am looking for a college who is willing to take me and can help me develop into all of those attributes.
