Coming into my first year at Capital, I had no idea what to expect. Coming from a town with a population under 1,000 people and a graduating class of just over 100, Columbus seemed like a whole different world. Not only was I intimidated by the city, but the athletics as well.
As a baseball player for the Comets, coming in I saw a lot of kids bigger, faster, and stronger than me. While intimidated, the upper classman certainly made all other first years, and I feel included. There were a lot of bumps throughout the first year, but with the kindness and openness of teammates, there was nothing I could not get through.
Collegiate baseball is nothing like I expected. The game alone is played so much faster than high school. All my teammates were the best players on their high school teams. Everyone here wants the best for the team and each other. I have never been a part of a program like the one I am now. The commitment level from high school to college can be difficult, but if you are willing to work hard and enjoy it, it will definitely be worth it. And it is.
Within the past two years, we have been fortunate enough to travel to Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida. These trips brought a lot of high moments, like hitting 11 home runs in our opening weekend, getting lunch at Buc-ee’s, singing karaoke, and playing games on the bus rides. Even when we play a tough game in rain or snow, run an accidental 5k the day before a game, or sit in the airport for hours, there is no one else I would rather do it with.
It is special when everyone eats together at lunch and when we all hang out together outside of practice. Often times we all get together to play corn hole, MLB The Show, or simply watch whatever games are on that night. Team bonding outside of practice is what makes this program stand out from the rest.
The wins are great, the losses sting, but as the Foo Fighters say, “It’s times like these you learn to live again.”
It did not take long for me to know that Capital was home. I have met some of my best friends from playing baseball. The friendships built here will certainly last forever. The Comets baseball program is a true brotherhood that only a few are lucky to be apart of. I’m so blessed that God gave me the opportunity to play here and be a part of something remarkable.