LONG BEACH, Calif. — Fifteen-year-old Shay Weaver has been playing baseball just about his whole life. He loves everything about the game: the way it’s played and run, the mental strategy involved, and its continuous opportunities to overcome challenges.

“Baseball is a very humbling game,” says Shay. “Just when you think it’s easy, you move up and become challenged again.”

As a sophomore, Shay plays for Lakewood High’s JV team but has also made some varsity appearances. He’s always been a younger player on his teams, competing with older players for positions and playing time. “I’ve learned to put in extra effort and work extremely hard to keep up with the other players and earn my spot,” explains Shay. Shay plays pitcher, first base, and outfield. Each position requires different skills and knowledge. And the work doesn’t end once you get the position. “There may always be someone better than you and there is certainly always someone coming up behind you that wants your spot.” Shay uses that as motivation to improve his skills continually.

Before every game, Shay takes a moment to draw or write something for himself on the dirt before taking the field. As he prepares to do his best, learn from past mistakes, and just have fun playing baseball, he knows his teammates are doing the same. “Everyone on the team is needed to succeed,” Shay explains. “You need nine players on the field, and everyone has to contribute to win games.” Shay works hard for his team’s shared goals of Moore League and CIF Championships, and for his own goals of playing baseball in college and beyond. All the while, Shay reminds us all to “do the things in life that make you happy.”

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.