Celebrating Misael Rodriguez: 2024 Impact Report Spring Cycle Contest Winner

A Journey of Determination and Leadership

Freshman, Misael Rodriguez, started off very shy. Even though he was quite shy, he was and still is very well mannered. He had no baseball experience but was very eager to learn from his coaches all that he could. At first, we were short on equipment, so he, along with others, had little time with the equipment due to Varsity needing it for practice. Varsity games started much sooner, so they needed to get use out of the equipment, but then took turns with JV towards the end of each practice.

Misael along with the other JV players were patient. However, Misael did not just sit and wait his turn. He asked questions and watch the Varsity players as they practiced. Trying to understand different play styles and techniques. When the donations came in, Misael approached me and asked if I could teach him how to become a pitcher. At the time, NO ONE, wanted to pitch for the JV team. This is understandable of course because it does feel like a lot of pressure. Especially for someone starting out, but Misael built up the courage to be a leader. He stepped up and decided to become the starting pitcher of JV team and along with his well behavior and academic standing, I made him JV Captain.

Misael took advantage of the equipment that he had access to as much as he could to learn all that he could before the first JV game. He was dedicated in his studying with video tips that I had sent him and other information regarding pitching fundamentals. As time went on, other JV players noticed Misael and his dedication, at first the players tried to make fun of the fact that he was trying to pitch. I told him to pay no mind. He is brave enough to even work toward stepping onto that mound on game day. The respect will follow due to him going up there and volunteering for such a position on the field. I was right. Two other players eventually came up to me and asked if I could help them as well and be Misael’s back up pitchers. I later told Misael that he may not have noticed it but he encouraged others to step out of that fear of trying something new. He started a movement to basically mold pitchers.

Misael’s first game as starting pitcher was a memorable one, especially as me being his head coach for the game. He made an unforgettable Pop Out catch that he held on to even after colliding with another player. He landed on the floor with his glove still raised in the air to show the umpires that he indeed made the catch. He cried after that catch when he stepped into the dugout due to everyone cherishing for him and giving him praise. Even from the Varsity players which we all know means a lot to players just starting out. The tears of joy overflowed to many of us and we embraced the magical moment this new player was experiencing.

The dedication and drive to be better is inspiring and we are lucky to have a player such as him on our team. After that first game, he realized how much he really wanted to play baseball and was able to ask his parents for his own glove. He is planning to join a summer league and join our team next spring to show us everything that he will learn over the summer. I wish him the best and I will say that Misael has become that player that each coach remembers. Seeing them grow, thrive to be better, and never lose that momentum. I believe Misael is the player for this impact story because not only did the donation have a positive impact on him, but it also impacted me as well as a coach to see a player come so far from where he began.

Impact Report Contest: Guidelines and Selection

Each grantee who received an equipment grant was required to complete an impact report at the conclusion of their season. The 2024 Impact Report Spring Cycle Contest was open to recipients of the equipment grant from November 1st, 2023, to March 15th, 2024. Grantees could only submit one entry each. The winner, chosen from the top five impact reports, earned a Custom Wilson A2000 and a Custom Marucci CS2 Fungo.

Misael’s story was selected as the best from among 193 equipment grants.

Looking Ahead: The Next Contest

Mark your calendars! The summer/fall contest wraps up on December 31st. We’ll kick off the New Year by announcing the winner, continuing our tradition of celebrating amazing stories of growth, determination, and community impact.

Misael Rodriguez has set the bar high, showing us that dedication and passion can lead to extraordinary achievements and inspire us all to believe in the power of effort and courage.