- February 2020
Personal Statement
My name is Ben Vazquez and I am a 17 year old Junior at Gaither High School in Tampa, Florida. I am currently 6’3, 218 lbs and primarily a right handed pitcher but I also have the ability to play first base and outfield.
My first baseball experience started at 5 years old playing T-ball and I wasn’t good, but I loved the game. I continued to play league ball year round, listened to my coaches and improved each season. The better I got, the more I wanted to play. By the age of 11, I was playing both league and travel ball. The consistency of at-bats helped hone my hitting skills. On the road heading to Cooperstown, I hit 10 homeruns between league and travel ball and really started to establish myself as a power hitter. I got bigger and stronger both physically and mentally and focused my efforts on hitting and pitching. One of my best memories is pitching my first Perfect Game no-hitter on March 8, 2015, which helped build my confidence on the mound. I’ve been blessed with the loving support of my parents and grandparents and have been taking pitching and hitting lessons once a week from the same coaches for the last seven years. I have an innate drive to succeed and a strong work ethic. I learned at an early age that I must work hard to achieve my goals and failing is the biggest motivator. I’m able to bounce back after struggling and persevere; and I push myself even harder, so I don’t let myself or my team down.
Mentally I am very controlled and focused; I play hard with integrity and a burning inside of me, but no one knows it because I don’t show emotion on the field. As a pitcher, I want to always be in control and command; as a hitter I want pitchers to fear me. Last summer I was clocked hitting with a metal bat with exit velocity of 105 MPH. I also hit 85 MPH with my fast ball but averaged 82 MPH. I’m a lower, three-quarter side arm pitcher with a change-up and slider. My focus is getting ahead in the count, hitting my spots and being efficient with my pitches. I work out on my own for strength, conditioning, speed and agility 6 days a week. I’m a team-player, have a positive attitude, communicate clearly and effectively on the field and I’m very coachable. I take direction well and am always open to honest feedback and have respect for my coaches and team.
Academically, I struggled with a few subjects my freshmen and sophomore year but have focused on improving my grades this year, and I’ve been successful, even with my honors classes. When I set a goal, I’m determined and work hard to achieve it.
Outside of baseball and school, I enjoy working-out, family gatherings, and hanging out with my friends. I also volunteer with Special Olympics and the Alzheimer’s Foundation, and help my dad coach my younger brother’s baseball team when I can.
I am extremely motivated to play baseball in college. I have tremendous respect and a passion for the game and have dedicated myself to doing everything I can to improve my skills to help me get to the next level. I’m looking for a program where I can continue to grow with guidance from experienced coaches at a high level of competitive baseball. I’d like to major in business and possibly pursue a law degree. If given the opportunity, I know I would be an asset to a college baseball program who recognizes my potential, ability, work ethic, internal drive and commitment to succeed. Thank you for taking the time to read my personal statement. Best of luck in the upcoming baseball season!
