Meet Santa Cruz area youth baseball player Hank Ackerman

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball,” historian and social commentator Jacques Barzun once wrote about the sport. This statement is true, too, for eleven-year-old Hank Ackerman. Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of Hank had better learn baseball.

Hank, a student at Shoreline Middle School, has found great pride and fun in playing baseball, “I started playing baseball when I was eight. I love every part of it, even practice.” He says running drills and being with his friends is fun, but what he likes best is game day.

Hank puts on his cleats, baseball cap, and gold chain necklace to go out and participate in the long tradition of a baseball game. “I like playing outfield, and I like hitting the ball, “he says, and The Big Chew bubble gum isn’t too bad either.

When Hank isn’t on the field, he loves to play video games, hang out with his family and friends, and play video games, “my favorite video game is MLB the Show.” One day he says he’d like to play professional baseball for the San Francisco Giants.

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