Justin Farmer '19 Recruiting Profile

            I see pictures of when I was just a tiny baby and what am I wearing, outfits with baseball designs on it. I see pictures of when I was a toddler and what am I holding, a glove and a baseball. I see pictures of when I was a young boy and what am I holding, a bat. Now that I am a teenager looking toward my college dream, I am still wearing my baseball attire and holding all the baseball equipment. My grandma says that I was born with a baseball as a brain, I believe she is right because I love baseball and couldn't imagine my life without it.

              At the young age of five, I was always getting into trouble. At daycare, it seemed I was in time-out more than any other kid.  My parents noticed this and took me to the doctor and come to find out I had ADHD.  As like other kids they put me on medication which helped some. This has been a struggle my whole life. Always having to change medications because I started outgrowing the one I was currently taking. I found something better than medication, and that was baseball. From tee-ball, to rec-ball, to travel ball, to high school ball, baseball was my outlet. When I am on the field I feel like a normal kid. It has given me a place where I can use my extra energy in a positive way. During the younger years of my life it was the only place it seemed I didn't get into trouble. It was like I found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, I could play a game I love and stay out of trouble.

            The game of baseball has taught me so much. Just like any other young boy I loved to win. I loved the feeling of getting a trophy and having everyone be proud of me. As we all know, you aren't going to win every game or every tournament. I had to learn how to lose gracefully and how to show good sportsmanship.  I have also learned that hard work leads to success.  I know these things are going to help me all through life. There are going to be test I don't pass, there is going to be co-workers to compete for a position with, and because what baseball has taught me I am ready for it. Life is not perfect and I don't know if I would want it to be, but it's how you carry yourself and handle the situation that counts.

            I am somewhat a shy person, I go with the flow and this was a huge concern to my parents as I grew up. I didn't make very many friends because of my shyness.  That all changed as a got older. The teammates I have met on my baseball teams have been great. When I'm with them on the ballfield or out to dinner after a game, it's like I was never that shy little boy. To this day, I'm still best friends with a teammate that we played tee-ball and rec-ball together.  The people you meet through baseball is like having an extended family. I can't tell you how many second moms I have out there. Everyone looks out for everyone and you know that people have your back. 

            Baseball is not all about winning, (but I love to win) it's about how to handle yourself on and off the field.  It's about learning to support others when they are having a rough day. It's about overcoming some of life’s fears. It's about pushing yourself to be the best that you can be.  Because of the huge impact that baseball has had in my life, I feel I am ready to go and conquer the world.