Dirt, Grit, and Brett Vanderkooi

Dirt, Grit, and Brett Vanderkooi

By:Bella DeRoo and Lyndi Rithamel

 

“Talent will get you on the field, but it’s the effort and attitude that will keep you there.” This quote from Ken Griffey Jr. kept Brett motivated throughout his 13 years of playing.  

 

Brett hasn’t always wanted to play baseball. His parents influenced his decision. When he was younger, he would see baseball on TV and think it looked cool. From then until now, baseball has been the core of his life. 

 

Recently, Brett has been accepted to Adrian College, where he will be playing baseball. He is going to major in Physical Education and Health. His plan hasn’t always been to go to college for baseball, but ever since he was in high school, it’s been his dream.

 

 For years, Brett has been dedicated to baseball. This past year he has shown his hard work and effort put into baseball, through winning and losing, he has still grown as an athlete. He has learned through his years that team connection can decide the fate of the game. One main part of baseball that has kept him playing throughout the years has always been making strong bonds with his teammates. “It is a fun sport and I like being around the guys.” 

 

Mentally, Brett has learned that emotions can affect the outcome of a game.  He has said, “If you have a bad at bat, it will affect your next one.” This has kept Brett motivated to have good at-bats. 

 

During one of his last games, he ended the season with an amazing walk-off. This is one memory that he will always remember from his senior season. 

 

His favorite season will always be his sophomore year on JV, but the past two years of being on varsity has made him appreciate baseball even more.

 

Overall, Brett has had a long past with playing baseball. Through ups and downs it has been the best part of his life. Brett is excited to pursue his future in baseball at Adrian College.