?
“I love so many things about the game of baseball, it is near impossible to just choose one. I love all the little things. The smell of the fresh cut grass, the adrenaline rush of playing under the lights in a pressure situation, and the friendships I make throughout the season. Most of all, I love signing autographs and being a good role model for the all the young kids out there.”?Austin Newell, KHS alum and professional baseball player, told Kennedale News, {{more}}and we couldn’t agree more. Now that baseball season is in full swing, from the Kennedale Youth Association to the High School’s Wildcats, we couldn’t wait to interview Newell who also played on these teams when he was younger.?“Throughout my entire career I have played on several teams; from little league recreational teams, to competitive select baseball teams (KC Monarchs, Texas Cats, Arlington A?s). I played high school baseball at Kennedale High School in Kennedale, TX, college baseball at Baylor University and University of Texas at Tyler, and I played in the ACBL all 3 summers during college. The ACBL is a wooden-bat collegiate summer league sponsored by Major League Baseball. I played for the Quakertown Blazers for one year, and the Lehigh Valley Catz for 2 years, both of which are located in eastern Pennsylvania close to Philadelphia. I am also headed into my 3rd season of Independent Professional Baseball. I played for the Alpine Cowboys in 2011, the White Sands Pupfish in 2012, and now looking forward to playing for the Frontier Greys this upcoming season in 2013.”?Newell said of his previous experience and future plans. Although, he’s had great success on field he has also faced challenges that almost cut his career short.?“Throughout, my career I have faced many setbacks. I led the state of Texas in batting average my senior year of high school, and was an All-State selection twice. However I received no college offers. I went to Baylor based on academics, tried to walk-on, and was cut in the fall. I thought my baseball career had come to an end. Luckily, I got a call from the UT Tyler coach shortly after that. Coach Vilade offered me a spot on his team, and I gladly accepted. I ended up having a great 4 years, and never looked back.”?He also went on to add, “Every year it gets harder and harder to continue playing. As I get older, there is always another crop of younger guys coming in. I also have my Bachelor?s Degree, but have put off starting a career so I can keep pursuing my dream of playing Major League Baseball. I have a very strong passion for the game, and my friends and family are always there for me through the tough times. Their encouraging words really help push me to keep fighting for what I want, a Major League Baseball contract.”?So, with players all over Kennedale taking the field what advice does Newell give to those seeking a career in the baseball??“My best piece of advice would be if you have a true passion for the game, don?t let someone else tell you that you can?t play anymore. If your career is going to end, it should be on YOUR terms, not theirs. There will be plenty of bumps in the road, but you just have to remember ,?Tough times don?t last, tough people do.??Newell ended with, “Stay positive, never stop fighting.”?Kennedale News wishes the best of luck to Austin in the 2013 season. Stay tuned for more baseball players to be featured.??Baseball isn?t about reaching a destination, it?s about enjoying the journey.?
Comments are closed.