When people ask me what drives me—what keeps me going when my arm is sore, when my schoolwork piles up, or when I’ve just walked a batter in a tough inning—my answer is simple: my family. They’re my biggest motivation, my strongest support system, and the reason I push myself every single day. Whether I’m on the mound pitching or grinding through a study session late at night, I carry their encouragement with me.

A Foundation Built on Love and Belief

Growing up, my parents always told me, “Anything is possible if you work hard.” That message became the foundation for how I approach every part of my life—from sports to school to relationships. My mom and dad never pressured me to be perfect. Instead, they expected me to do my best, and they supported me no matter what the outcome. That kind of unconditional love gave me the confidence to believe in myself—even when I failed.

And trust me, in baseball, you will fail. A lot. I’ve had games where I couldn’t find the strike zone, where every pitch seemed to end up in the dirt or over the fence. But after every rough outing, my parents never focused on the stats. They always asked, “Did you learn something?” and “What will you do differently next time?” That mindset taught me that failure isn’t something to be feared—it’s something to grow from.

More Than Just Cheering in the Stands

Family support is more than just showing up to games, though my family does that too. It’s the quiet stuff that people don’t always see. Like the early mornings when my dad would take me to the field before school to get in extra reps. Or the late nights when my mom stayed up with me while I finished homework after a long practice. Or the countless rides, meals, and sacrifices they made so I could chase my goals.

It’s also the positive feedback I get from them—not just when I win, but when I show good sportsmanship, help a teammate, or stay calm under pressure. They recognize the person I’m becoming, not just the athlete I am. That keeps me grounded and reminds me that who I am off the field matters just as much as what I do on it.

The Fuel Behind the Fire

People often talk about motivation like it’s this magic force that just appears. But for me, it comes from wanting to make my family proud. Every time I step on the mound, I think about everything they’ve done for me. I think about my siblings watching, about being a role model, and about how lucky I am to have parents who believe in me so deeply. That pride pushes me to work harder, to study longer, and to keep showing up, even when things get tough.

There have been times when I felt like giving up. Like after a shoulder injury that forced me to miss games, or during slumps where nothing seemed to go right. But every time, my family reminded me of the bigger picture. They reminded me that I wasn’t alone, that setbacks don’t define me, and that I had what it takes to bounce back. And they were right. I did.

Carrying Their Belief With Me

Now that I’m playing summer ball, I carry my family’s belief with me every day. I think about my parents’ voices in my head when I’m standing on the mound. I remember the long road it took to get here—the early mornings, the hours of training, the ups and downs—and I know that none of it would have been possible without them.

Even though they’re not with me in person every day this summer, their support hasn’t gone anywhere. We talk after games, they send messages of encouragement, and they’re always there to celebrate the wins and talk through the losses. That kind of consistency is rare, and I don’t take it for granted.

Lessons That Go Beyond Baseball

The biggest lesson my family has taught me is that my best is always good enough. That mindset has changed the way I approach everything—from how I train to how I treat others to how I handle pressure. It’s helped me become a better athlete, but more importantly, a better person.

And now, when I talk to younger players or teammates who are struggling, I try to pass on that same message. I remind them that they’re not alone, that support systems matter, and that believing in yourself often starts with someone else believing in you first.

9th Inning

At the end of the day, baseball is a game. But for me, it’s also a way to honor the people who’ve supported me the most. Every time I take the field, I do it for my family. I do it to make them proud—not just by how I play, but by how I carry myself, how I treat others, and how I keep showing up.

So if you ever see me out there, know that I’m not alone. I’m bringing my family with me every pitch, every inning, every game. And that’s the real power behind my performance.