The first ever Major League Baseball game was played on September 23, 1845. Since then, the sport has taken off. Baseball has impacted athletes and players from all over the world. When Thomas Worthington baseball players were asked how they viewed Major League Baseball, they said The MLB is a way to motivate them to do better. It helps them pick up on new criteria and skills and apply them to their season.
Breaden Schmidt, a Junior, is a Varsity PO (Pitcher Only.) Schmidt started playing baseball at just four years old. He quickly fell in love with the sport. However, baseball isn’t just a sport to him. Schmidt fell in love with everything about the game, from throwing and catching, to the mental battle it takes to be your best.
“Baseball has made me realize how far discipline and dedication can get you,” Schmidt states. “My goal this season is to be a first or second-team all-conference. I would also like to pick up a couple of college offers to hopefully pursue my baseball career. ”
Schmidt has loved playing for TWHS, and says “I am most proud of winning team pitcher of the year my freshman year.”
Schmidt has been watching baseball his whole life. A certain player that caught his eye is Cinncinaiti Reds Pitcher, Hunter Greene.
“I admire how he handles pressure, especially when expected to play a certain way. He motivates me to not let pressure get the best of me and stay humble throughout the game,” Schmidt explains. “Watching the pros makes me strive to get better. After all, they’re the best of the best.”
Every player, coach, and mentor you meet through baseball provides a sense of comfort and familiarity. The sport creates an instant connection and a strong atmosphere that draws you in. Baseball bonds people of all ages. Sophomore, Zane Graven was easily welcomed by all of the TWHS baseball players. His outgoing and funny personality makes him hard to dislike.
“Baseball has always been my favorite sport. I have met so many great coaches and influences through this journey,” Graven reflects. “Their words and actions will leave a forever impact on me. Baseball has truly changed me as a person.”
To the Graven family, baseball is more than just a sport. Graven talks about how growing up he has vivid memories of him and his dad playing catch in the backyard. They even had a practice cage in their garage so he could practice his hitting. Graven most looks up to New York Mets shortstop, Francisco Lindor.
“Lindor plays my position and does it at the highest level. I love his swagger and the way he plays the game,” Graven says.
Graven is a powerful player with a strong passion for baseball. He walked onto the Varsity field as a freshman and showed up to prove himself. He was immediately accepted by the senior class as “one of our own,” says 24’ graduate, Jacoby Sterling.
“One person who helped me feel comfortable was Roberto Maysonet. His personality is very welcoming and it was easy to bond with him,” explains Zane.
2024 graduate, Roberto Maysonet was the heart of TWHS baseball. As a freshman, Maysonet was quiet and shy. Throughout the years, he found his voice and came out of his shell. Post graduation, Maysonet continued his baseball career at Wright State Lake.
“As a college player, I hope to impact my team as a freshman. I am proud of getting to where I am now after all the hard work I put in,” says Maysonet. “Watching Major League Baseball pushes me to work harder and makes me want to bring that same energy to my own game.”
TWHS baseball leaves a handprint on everyone’s heart that comes across it. Whether you’re putting your blood, sweat, and tears onto Frank Welling Field at Gussler Park, or watching in the stands, it’s impossible to walk away from that field with the same mindset you had when you walked in.
Maysonet closes out with these thoughtful words, “I am forever changed and grateful for the opportunities that coaches, teammates, and family have provided me with. This sport gave me brothers for life and I will never take those friendships for granted. I can easily say that baseball has shaped me into who I am today.”
