Zane Gelphman '14 Recruiting Profile

As far back as I can remember, I have always loved the game of baseball. Having been playing the game quite literally nonstop since the age of three, you might say that I have a deep-seated passion for it. I'm that kid who, when given a group of kids looking for something fun to do, will in some capacity create a baseball game, even if just sticks and pinecones are available. Whether I am playing the game, watching the game, or studying the game through some form like Fantasy Baseball, I am enamored. In fact, just the other day, I said to my mother, "The most important thing that I hope to get out of college is the opportunity to keep playing baseball." My goal since early childhood to this day is to some day play in the Big Leagues. Some might say that this goal is too lofty, but I really believe that if I continue to work on my game as I have done for so many years, and as my body cooperates and fills in with maturity, I can attain this goal.

As I complete my junior year of high school, I can see my future rapidly approaching. I am now fully understanding the importance of hard work, not just on the field but off the field, in the classroom, as well. I now comprehend that academic success will only enhance any baseball opportunities that come my way. A coach will value a player who is on top of his academic game as well as his baseball game.

With my final year of high school, I hope to complete my solid academic foundation on which to build in college, where I can study what I truly want to study - baseball! I would be a fool to not have a fall-back plan. By majoring in Sports Management, I will be able to pursue my passion of studying the intricacies of the game of baseball (and in other sports as well). Aside from actually playing in the Majors, the best job I can imagine would be to have involvement in the creation of a big-league team. To get paid for studying the players, their stats, and their future potential would be a dream job for me.

When I graduate from college, I will most likely spend decades working in the same career. I am so glad that I have a love for baseball. Working in the field of baseball is not just a job - it is a dream! I see many adults around me drag themselves off to work day after day, waiting for the end of their day and the end of their career to come. I intend to spend the heart of my life working - no, playing/teaching/studying the game of baseball. I couldn't imagine a better way to make a living than that.