- March 2021
Personal Statement
Writing my personal statement has been more challenging than I expected. I have been raised to stay humble and know there is always someone better. I know there is always room for me to improve and become better. This applies not only to baseball but my life in general.
My mom always laughs and says I was born at the ball field. The truth is I was 3 days old the first time I spent a day there and I’ve spent a majority of my life there since.
I started playing when I was 3 and have been fortunate enough to play with the same team for the last 11 years. I have had the same team of coaches all those years and have had the opportunity to not only learn and develop the fundamental skills of baseball; but also developed leadership skills, sportsmanship, a strong mental game and have built character. I know the records between the ages of 4-14 don’t matter to college recruits, however I believe the things I have learned have made me into the player and person I am today. The confidence and leadership skills I’ve learned on the ball field help make it possible for me to run and win class officer last 4 years, head up collection programs for kids that need clothes, sports equipment and even food sometimes.
I’ve learned from my coaches the importance of never giving up, encouraging and pushing my teammates, showing enthusiasm, even when I don’t really feel like it. I’ve learned that sometimes if I kind of have to fake it, it’s contagious and my teammates help me feel the excitement. I’ve also learned how important is is to show respect to everyone involved in the game.
“Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical” said Yogi Berra. I think my mental game is one of my strongest points. The great thing about baseball is each time I get up to bat I have the chance to do better than I did last time. I have the chance to do better every time I’m running bases, or playing defense. I’m not perfect, but I try to be better every inning, every game. Baseball has built me into the person I am, on and off the field.
