Growing up in a small town with big league dreams constantly on my mind, I could never have predicted how much the journey itself would shape me into the athlete I am today. As a kid, I was obsessed with the game of baseball, but it often felt like the sport didn’t quite love me back. I faced rejection early on, but my determination to not give up became stronger with every setback. Over time, that relentless drive turned baseball from a distant dream into an undeniable passion that demanded attention and, eventually, respect.

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The road wasn't easy. I faced the ups and downs that come with youth baseball, the uncertainty of high school sports, and even the sting of not making my freshman team. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I learned to fight for my place. In college ball, the competition intensified, and I had to earn every inning, every at-bat, and every chance to prove myself. As I advanced to the world of professional baseball, the stakes grew even higher. I discovered the unpredictable nature of the business side of the sport, where opportunities could appear or vanish in an instant.

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Through it all, my refusal to quit became my greatest asset. I pushed myself to keep chasing my dreams, even when the odds seemed against me. Along the way, I was fortunate to have coaches who instilled in me the mindset of a true competitor—finding a way to get the job done, making no excuses, and showing up ready to give it my all every single day. It’s those lessons that propelled me forward, and it’s that drive that defines me as an athlete today.