At the beginning of this year's school baseball season, I was filled with excitement for what was to come. My goal going into the season was to make it on Varsity, to actually play, not just sit on the bench and watch my teammates. I thought my tryouts went well, but in the end, I was placed on the JV team. I was upset, but most of all disappointed in myself, as I felt like all the hard work I did during the off-season was to play at a level I didn’t feel I should be playing at. However, I did not sulk, rather I took this as motivation. Every chance I got to step foot on the field was a chance for redemption, always keeping my goal in mind. 

My drive was at an all-time high, and so was my skill. When the JV season began, I was on fire. I was playing my best baseball, and I hoped my coaches would start to notice. I felt very confident in my abilities and I knew I was playing well. I was batting .450 and I was dominating on the mound. Eventually, the coaches did take notice, as I was called up to Varsity. I felt like I proved that I was meant to be on the team. I also realized that it was a blessing that this happened because instead of taking the easy way out by sulking and complaining about being on JV, I worked as hard as I could to show who I was. 

But there was still one issue before I reached my goal, would I even play? That Friday, we had a big game against our rival, Brunswick. I wasn’t expecting to start in my first game, but there was always a small chance that I could get in during the game. If that were to happen, I needed to stay ready both physically and mentally. In the seventh inning, we were up 4-2, but our starting pitcher had a bunch of pitches and his arm was tired. I was sent to warm up in the bullpen, but so were two other kids, so I still wasn’t sure I would get in. There was a runner on both second and third when my coach made a quick decision and signaled for me to go in. It was game time. 

The first batter I faced was a senior and was their number three batter. Even as an 8th grader, I was never intimidated. Strike One. Strike two. Strike three. 2 outs. The next batter was their fourth batter, and the best hitter on their team. On the first pitch of his at-bat he hit a ground ball to the third baseman. Once he hit it, I knew the game was over. The third baseman stepped on the bag and it was all smiles from there. All of my teammates crowded around me and congratulated me. I felt like I finally proved myself, and as well showed myself all of the hard work I put in.

After that moment, I have never looked back. I am now a full-time varsity player, and I have made the absolute most out of every opportunity that I have been given. After this experience, I figured out that with hard work and determination, I can master anything I do. Whether it’s in the classroom or out on the baseball diamond, I will never take the easy way out, especially when my future is on the line.