Born of Nicaraguan parents in San Francisco, California, I was born to love baseball!

The more I learn about the game, the more I appreciate my country and my family’s roots. For example, legendary Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente, the first Latino baseball player to be elected to the Hall of Fame, died helping earthquake victims of Nicaragua in 1972. These and many baseball moments make me proud of who I am, where I am from, and where I am going.

My baseball experiences are special because they have involved my family. Growing up with my two younger brothers, our best times together have been playing catch and hitting baseballs. Our dad taught us how to play and has shown his love towards me and my brothers through this beautiful game. From our mother driving us to Little League games, to enduring watching the San Francisco Giants play during cold nights at their old stadium called Candlestick Park, and watching the Giants win the World Series in 2014, these baseball moments are some of my family’s best memories.

Growing up, I have learned to love baseball not only for the game itself, but also for what the game stands for, the lessons I learn, and the lifelong experiences I have had with the game. I approach every year in my life as a baseball season. A baseball season is 162 games of wins and losses, hits and outs, home runs and strikeouts. This reminds me of the ups and downs I experience in my life. I know that life will not always be a home run. But as long as I take a prepared approach to life, just as I would in the batter’s box when facing a pitcher, I will be ready to face life’s fastballs and curveballs.