I am from the backyards in the suburbs where me and my brother played games.

I am from 8am at the field to 10:30pm out with friends.

I am from leaving sweat and frustration  on the field to the % hour drive home.

From getting home and going to bed just to get up from school in 6 hours.

From my mom waking me saying “If you sore with the owls you must hoot with the eagles.”

I am from after school naps to getting up to make it to practice.

I am from after practice practice to procrastinating  12:00 am to do homework.

I am from driving to the academy on my days off to compete for a starting spot.

 From writing letters to college coaches hoping for to chance for just one of them to see me.

 From hanging with the boys after our games to 8:00 am games the next morning.

I am from arriving 30 minutes before everyone gets there to get in extra practice.

I am from my first at bat my confidence will either soar or fall like a bird shot out of the sky.

I am Worried about making a mistake because of the fear of sitting the bench and embarrassing myself in front of college coaches.

From a place where we say “LaPorte’s don’t quit.”

From going home earlier than I wanted to, to coming back the next week and winning it all!