2009 Lewistown Panthers Baseball

 Well, with me trying to become more positive about myself, I have been looking back into the past and find ways to let go of some of the negative emotions attached to it. One such issue was going back to my time at Lewistown Area High School which as mentioned before was a huge struggle for me. 

But again, trying to be more positive, I wanted to look back at that time and remember some of the good moments during that period. One of which was playing for the Lewistown Panthers baseball team.

Heading into my senior year of high school, I wasn't in the best state of mind. Honestly, I really did not want to be there anymore, I was just so sick of life, never thought I was going to be anything. All I ever was going to be was a huge disappointment.

I can only give credit to God for being able to get through that year. But then baseball tryouts came along and I decided to go for it again. The previous years I've tried only to fail, which in fairness, wasn't much of a surprise because I ain't exactly an athlete.

One of the reasons why I wanted to make the team was because I really do enjoy the game of baseball. It reminded me of times I had with my Pap.

Going into the tryouts, I didn't expect things to be anything different honestly. I gave it my all, which is what anybody could ask for, then the tryouts came to an end, I got called into the offices of Head Coach Ray Hoppel where I was also met by coach Yoder and coach Leister. They sat me down and they explained to me that they appreciated the effort that I was putting in and told me that they had room for me to be a member of the team. I was utterly shocked! I literally thought to myself "Wait! Did I just make the team?". Of course I accepted it.

I literally was in tears the whole way home that night. I couldn't believe that I finally did it! To this very day, it amazes me that they asked me to be on the team. It honestly didn't feel real until coach Hoppel brought us all in together and we selected our jersey numbers. I originally wanted to pick the number 8 because it was my favorite number, but my buddy Dane Moist had already chosen that. Maybe it was fate in a way though because ultimately I went for number 25 because it reminded me of the day I lost my Pap who again loved baseball on April 25, 2000.

It really felt great being in uniform wearing all that blue and white. Getting to be a part of a team was something I always dreamed about really. Obviously I wasn't going to be playing much, but again, I was on the team. I still wanted to work as hard as I could.

My favorite moment during that season team wise was getting to win the Altoona Curve Classic. Getting to warmup where the Curve played was exciting to experience. What I remember the most about the championship game was how we fell behind and slowly worked our way back to ultimately win. Getting to celebrate with the guys and holding the trophy was so much fun.

But on a more personal note, my individual favorite moment came during Senior night as we were all chilling out in the dugout, my twin brother Chad came down and told me that somebody was wanting to see me. And as I walked up the hill, I realized who that someone was, it was Nan. It surprised me because bless her heart, she couldn't really get out much because of the cold weather, so for her to come out and support me during my senior year was really special. In fact, it still makes me tear up just thinking about it, especially since she passed away a year later. Love you Nan!

My only regret that I have about that season was I wish I knew what I know now. I felt so awkward with all of the guys because I never really got to hangout with people much before. Plus, I was just starting to search for answers regarding my cerebral palsy and scoliosis. Sorry about that guys, but I guess it is better late than never. 

I just wanted to say I love you all so much! I can never repay all of you guys for your kindness and encouragement. Being a part of this team helped show me that I can make something of myself and that I also can be a part of something special. And I pray and I hope to someday be able to find that again in my personal life.

One of my proudest moments was when the two schools, Lewistown and Indian Valley were merging to become what is now Mifflin County High School, coach Hoppel invited us to pick our jerseys. Naturally, I got my jersey and still wear proudly to this very day.

Thank you all so much: Coach Hoppel, coach Yoder, coach Leister, Beamo, Brody Blessing, Dane Moist, Adam Peachey, Matt Bickel, Casey Zimmerman, Thomas Walters, Ryan Goss, Conner Muir, Kody Stein, Paul Knepp, Levi Bilger, Nick Pupo, Justin Stuck and AJ Scheffel.

Until Next Time!

Go Panthers!

God Bless and Be Safe Everybody! 🙏🙏🙏










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