Personal Statement
I have loved the game of baseball since I was three years old when I picked up my very first bat. I aspire to be the best I can be and this desire has shaped the way I think, act, behave and, most importantly, perform. I study the nuances of every situation. I am a very dedicated and hard worker that listens and learns quickly. I am a team leader and like to lead by example. Many coaches have expressed their appreciation for my willingness to strive to improve and be the best person I can be on AND off the field. I don't want to tell anyone why I am "better" than other recruits because that is simply not in my character and I dislike speaking about my personal skills as a player because I don't want to come off as arrogant or full of myself but in order to let you know who I am both as a player and a person I have to deviate from that briefly.
When playing, I am polite to everyone who speaks to me all the way from my coaches to the umpires. At a tournament game, the umpire turned and asked who the catcher's parents were. My dad raised his hand not sure what to expect and the umpire then said, "Not only is he a great player, but he is the most polite person that I have encountered on the field." My parents said the umpire's comment was one of the ultimate compliments a parent can receive about their child. Everyone in my family is so supportive of me and are always at my games and it is extremely important to me to make them proud. I also have a twin sister that plays travel soccer and is very good and on this site as well. Along with my whole family, we are always very supportive of each other and work hard to make each other better.
Am I perfect? NOT AT ALL! I I believe there is always room to improve, progress, and learn. Coaches have told my parents that I have a natural ability to hit a baseball, rarely striking out, and a tremendous eye. I have a consistently high average(usually around 450+), OBP and OPS. I usually bat third or fourth due to my power ability which, in part, increases my RBI's. If a pitch is not a strike I usually don't attempt to swing unless it is to protect with 2 strikes. I love the clutch situations and typically excel at those times. There isn't a moment too big for me and I love the pressure and want to put the team on my back. Unfortunately, I have been intentionally walked several times and even when the bases were loaded.
In the field, I am very flexible as far as positions go. On occasion, I play third base and pitch but my first love has always been catching. I do a good job blocking, calling pitches, controlling the game and more importantly throwing runners out. My coaches have said that I have a very good arm due to my strength. While I love catching, I also play first base primarily(a position I enjoy playing)but my coaches, in more recent years, have told my parents I am too valuable behind the plate to put at first.
Having said all of this, my goals over the next couple of years are to improve as a player and person. My exit velocity is in the 90's and I want to bring that over 100. I am working every day to become faster, and an overall better athlete so I can work towards being the best baseball player I possibly can be. I also highly recognize that academics are extremely important and will work to be the best student I can as well. Baseball is so important to me and it has been my dream to go to a college that will guide me as a player and help me achieve my lifelong goal of playing in the MLB which I know that every kid dreams of going that far but I can promise anyone that I am willing to do whatever possible to make that goal in my reach and have that dream come true.
I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and I hope it gave you some insight to who I am not only as a player but as well as a person. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.
Thank you so much,
Alex Gulino
