Hunter Stone '18 Recruiting Profile

~~From the day I was born I was a fighter, and I have not stopped fighting for everything I have earned since. Some kids are born with natural talent, others have to put in the time to become great. I put in the work. Yes, I might be a big kid, but size doesn't guarantee anything. When my friends are laying in bed all summer, I am going to camps, pitching lessons, running cross country and working out to get better. I am willing to learn. I'm willing to work hard. I might not be the most talented kid, but I will give you everything I have.

Since I was 10 I have wanted to play college baseball. I want to be that kid that everyone notices. The player that other teams don't want to face. I have big dreams of playing in the MLB one day, and I will not stop until I get there. I do not want to limit myself by only looking at the schools around my hometown. I want to go as big as I can. I need to fill these size 15 shoes I wear!

I am a hard worker in the classroom as well. I carried a 3.9 grade point average all through my middle school career. I have taken advanced math classes, and this year in high school I am working towards an advanced diploma with a bilingual advancement. I am signed up to take Biology, AP English, Spanish, Geometry, History, and Computer Communications. My extra classes are Theater and Athletics. In addition to academics I also do community service work with the Salvation Army Kitchen.

I haven't had a single arm injury in the 7 years I have been a pitcher. I contribute this to good teaching, and proper arm rest. My parents keep a very close eye on my pitch counts and warm ups. They monitor my activities so that I keep my arm in the best shape as possible. I have worked very hard to learn a proper pitching and throwing technique so that I can avoid injuries. My stamina and endurance also come from hard work. I am running cross country this year to help with my longetivity as a baseball player.

I think the biggest thing that makes me different than most kids my age is why I want this... I want to use baseball to do more. I want to give back. I want to be a leader and a role model. I want young kids, with maybe not as much natural talent, to look at me and say, "I can do anything I want to because look at what Hunter Stone did." Yes, I am bigger than most kids my age. I know that it gives me a natural advantage, but having a big body means more challenges. You have to work harder to be quick. You have to learn to play the game differently than someone who's 5'2. Being limber isn't as easy. Lifting weights is difficult, but you find a way that works for you when your wingspan is as big as mine. Yes being taller than everyone in your grade is a gift, but you have to work harder to really be successful. I have put in that work, and continue to every day. I want this more than anything. I will work hard. I will do what it takes to be successful. If one door closes I will find another one that opens. I want to wear my jersey with great pride, knowing I earned it by my hard work.