James Hardy '16 Recruiting Profile

First and foremost, I am going to use the cliché "Student-Athlete", and that is exactly what I am. The most important aspect of the next level is being a quality, exemplary and dedicated student. I take much pride in dedicating and focusing on my schoolwork because at the end of baseball, whenever it may be, your education is going to set you up for the rest of your life. Being a realistic individual I understand that the more you apply yourself in the classroom the higher chance you have at being a positive and contributing member of society in the future.

At the next level I am looking to be loyal to a four year program who is not only looking at being stellar on the field, but stellar off the field. A institution which values the characteristics of good role models in society. Growing up I have always wanted to set superior examples and standards for those around me. I try my hardest on and off the field to make the lives of those around me better, I want to have a relationship with all of my teammates and friends in which they can come to me with everything. If you can connect on an emotional and intellectual level with those around you then you start to build chemistry, and the most important thing is sports is chemistry. You can have the most talented team but if those individuals don't come together and bond with one another then your talent is wasted.

When it comes to academics in Post- Secondary in highly interested in getting my degree in Urban Management or Teaching (English or Social Studies) because I want to put back into society and these courses will allow me to do so. Another reason for choosing these courses is because they are generally in classrooms with a small Student : Teacher ratio. They are also very hands on and interactive courses which is where I thrive.

As an individual I consider myself a very outgoing and humorous individual, yet extremely determined. The best way to get the best out of your teammates is to have them be relaxed and comfortable. Often I'm cracking jokes, busting a bad dance move or spitting some more than atrocious rhymes in order to get everyone loose. However I'm always the first guy to put my nose to the grindstone and get my work in. I'm consistently putting in extra reps and giving my all whether its practice, a game, school, or field work. I feel pride working as hard as I can and seeing myself improve. If something needs to be done my coaches and teachers know I'll always be the first guy on it because I want to do everything I can to make things work smoothly.

Heading back to the realistic point I made earlier, I am not perfect on the mound, no one is. Physically I am underweight compared to my competitors whom I'm fighting for scholarships with. At 6'3 150 Im often told that I have Pro Ball potential because I throw just as hard as the other pitchers I compete against but Im much lighter. At the next level I'm very excited to find a school with a 4 year program for me which I can gain weight and train on a schedule which can prepare me for Pro Ball if it gets to that point. Right now I drink protein shakes daily, I go to the gym, I run and I eat like a horse. I love food, but my biggest enemy is my metabolism. I can guarantee you that I will take whatever measures necessary in order to be successful at the next level. I will train my ass off, respect and lift up my teammates, bust my butt in the classroom and most of all respect the game that we both love.