“I want to play for the New York Yankees” is what I would tell all of my teachers growing up. It’s the only thing I wanted and the reason why I worked so hard every single day. My room was decked out in Yankees memorabilia and right on my wall next to my bed was a picture of Derek Jeter with the words “he earned his stripes”. And although I never earned the Yankees pinstripes, yellow ones are pretty cool too. From hearing my name in the famous roll call, to walking up to the plate with my parents, to performing on Jimmy Fallon and even getting my own Times Square billboard, this was the most surreal and full circle week of my life. But the best thing of all, was the fact that my family and friends got to see me live out the dream they all knew I had since I was 6. To play in a sold out Yankee Stadium. If your dream doesn’t come true, keep fighting and working relentlessly. It just might come true in a….. Read More details below 

“I want to play for the New York Yankees,” I used to tell all my teachers growing up. It was the only thing I ever dreamed of, the reason I worked so hard every single day. My room was decked out in Yankees memorabilia—signed jerseys, baseballs, posters of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. Right above my bed, there was a framed picture of Derek Jeter with the words “He Earned His Stripes” underneath. I looked at that picture every night, dreaming of the day I’d wear those iconic pinstripes myself.

 

Growing up in a small town, the path to the majors seemed impossible—yet, I refused to let that stop me. I trained relentlessly, dedicating every spare moment to honing my skills. I practiced batting in my backyard, throwing hundreds of pitches against the garage, and watching game footage late into the night. My family was my biggest support system, always cheering me on and reminding me that no dream was too big if I worked hard enough.

 

Despite the obstacles and setbacks, I kept pushing. I knew that dreams don’t come true overnight—they’re earned through persistence, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. I kept telling myself, “If I don’t give up, maybe one day I’ll get to see my name in the Yankees’ lineup.”

 

That day finally arrived. It started with a call from my agent, telling me I’d signed a contract with a Yankees minor league team. I couldn’t believe it. The journey from my childhood bedroom to the professional field was surreal. Every step felt like a victory—each practice, each game, each small milestone was a testament to my perseverance.

 

Then came the moment I’d always dreamed of—a chance to step onto the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium. The atmosphere was electric; the air thick with anticipation. As I walked through the tunnel, I could hear the roar of the crowd, the chants of “Let’s go Yankees!” echoing in my ears. My family was there, my parents holding tears back, proud beyond words. When I took my position at the plate, I felt the weight of every childhood dream and every late-night practice.

 

Performing on Jimmy Fallon was another milestone I never imagined I’d reach. Sitting across from him, sharing my story, and showcasing my talent to millions of viewers was a moment of pure validation. It was proof that dreams, no matter how big, can come true with determination. And then, to top it all off, seeing my face on a Times Square billboard—standing tall among the bright lights and bustling crowds—felt like a scene straight out of a movie.

 

But the most meaningful part of this journey wasn’t the fame or the accomplishments; it was sharing it all with my family and friends. They had seen me from the beginning, cheering me at every game, sacrificing their weekends to watch me play, and encouraging me through every setback. When I stepped onto that field in Yankee Stadium for a sold-out game, I looked into the stands and saw their faces—proud, excited, and a little teary-eyed. That moment was the culmination of everything we had worked for together.

 

This week has been the most surreal and full-circle week of my life. From hearing my name called in the crowd, to walking up to the plate with my parents by my side, to performing on national television, every experience has been a testament to the power of perseverance. It’s a reminder that no matter how impossible your goals seem, relentless effort and unwavering belief can turn dreams into reality.

 

If your dream doesn’t come true right away, don’t give up. Keep fighting, keep working, and stay patient. Sometimes, the road to success is longer than expected, but every step forward brings you closer. The journey might be filled with obstacles, but those obstacles are what make the victory so sweet.

 

Remember, even if you don’t reach your ultimate goal immediately, every effort you make is shaping you into the person capable of achieving it someday. Keep pushing, stay dedicated, and never lose sight of your vision. Because, in the end, dreams don’t have an expiration date—they only require persistence.

 

So, to everyone out there chasing their own dreams, I say this: Keep fighting. Keep working relentlessly. Because just like I did, you might just find yourself living the life you once thought was only a fantasy. And when that happens, it’s the most incredible feeling in the world.