MaxPreps Student Section.Baseball prodigies such as Pujols, Jeter, and Bonds, have earned their respect by their fans and continue to satisfy them by playing some good baseball. But the most important thing they have done besides smacking a homerun out left field is encourage young prospective players to dream big and continue playing.
Bryant Solano
Courtesy of Hennesis Velasquez
It all starts in high school when a baseball player's dreams are becoming true. For many, it's just a hobby that looks outstanding on their college application, but for a selected few, it's their ticket to making it to the Major Leagues. "When I was younger, I was always told that I would grow up to play professional baseball, so I saw it as something I must do" said the 5'11 and 203 pound senior
Bryant Solano,17, who attends
Graphic Communication Arts High School in Hell's Kitchen New York City and been on the varsity baseball team for his entire four years .
Solano, who will be graduating this upcoming June 2011, is all about the sportsmanship and being optimistic. Beginning as an outfielder his freshman year, Solano has become an important factor in his team, Graphic Devils, and the bullpen by being able to juggle the positions of first baseman and starting pitcher. He has a great arm, powerful hit, and is starting to discover his heat at the mound. "I'm just starting. I play every three to four games as either starter or reliever, depending on the pitch count or whenever my coach needs me." His pitching talent was discovered this past pre-season on a scrimmage game when his coach was testing out a few selected players' arm. He is always ready to play any position that is assigned to him. "If it's not catching like he did most of his junior year, he's playing first base, or he's striking out the opponents" said 16 year old Antonio Peralta, one of his teammates.
Batting at an average of .256 in their 2010 spring season, Solano's goal for this season is to boost up those numbers to prepare him for college ball. "I plan on attending SUNY Sullivan County Community College in Upstate, New York, and pick up my grades to then transfer to a four year school and play Division I or Division II baseball." Graduating high school with an estimate average of 76, he explains his reasons for not having a higher average. "I'm good at school. I just spend all my time and hard work on baseball. I'm not doing horrible, but I know I can do better." Solano will become a physical education major in the fall of 2011 with hopes of becoming a gym teacher and a high school baseball coach in New York City, if his dream to becoming the next Alex Rodriguez doesn't come true.
Bryant Solano is definitely a player who scouts should keep an eye on during his remaining games and journey to college. "When Bryant plays, you can tell he gives his all to baseball. He works hard and if he's not playing baseball, then he is either thinking, dreaming, or talking baseball. We're going to miss his talent next year along with our other senior players" said Peralta. His humble personality, dedication, and talent, has earned the respect of his coach and teammates. "Baseball has been my favorite sport since before I can remember. I want to stay around this sport for the rest of my life."
