At just 15yrs old, my nephew CJ is already creating a buzz amongst several baseball programs in Chicago. He’s already played on multiple travel teams, attends various training camps throughout the year and plays for St. Rita HS.

Seems like just yesterday CJ was walking around in diapers with a Football helmet on his head, a winter glove in one hand and a baseball glove in the other. Early on we knew there was something special about him. Sports was encrypted in his DNA. It wasn’t something the family forced on him, but rather a passion he was born with.

CJ is a lefty and plays all outfield positions. The one position that has stood out for many coaches and trainers is CJ’s pitching ability. CJ’s target and precision is impeccable with speeds ranging from 70-85mph. Velocity is always great but the technique and mechanics CJ has for his age is all the reason for conversations about College offers and a potential career in the Major Leagues someday. CJ will be a Sophomore this fall at St. Rita high school where he has excelled academically and athletically. This Summer CJ tried out for St. Rita’s varsity team, but it is still too little early to determine if he will choose to play varsity or not.

We all witnessed early on in childhood that CJ had a passion for baseball. Going into his 2nd yr of high school CJ already has his heart set on going to Vanderbilt University in Nashville TN to continuing his athletic journey and career. If I were a recruiter or a Pro Scout, I’d be all over this kid now!

My brother Carlos has done an amazing job at leading CJ in all areas of this life. My brother is a teacher for the Chicago Public School system but is also a Pastor of a church in the South side of Chicago. My brother himself has an amazing story of never giving up on your dreams and CJ is a reflection of his Dad’s leadership. I expect nothing but great things for them all! I’m super stoked and proud for my nephew CJ. It’s always surreal for me to see him play. I begin to think how once upon a time I held this kid in my arms and fed him is milk bottle and now he’s traveling city to city displaying his God given athletic talent on the baseball field. I’m a tough love type of dude so I keep it real with CJ every time I see him. My pep talks consist of the following,

“You have to really want this! There is always someone out there who wants it more then you. He’s practicing more then you. He’s running more then you. So what are you gonna do?” I’m tough on the outside but inside I’m leaping for joy for him. I believe God gives us all special abilities and talents. He gives us a blank canvas, and let’s us create a masterpiece story…

Below is an email I recieved from CJ describing the past few weeks of his traveling team & tournaments. He said he got small taste of what in his mind being a Pro is like…

“The coach just called me and said I was already on the team! I played all three outfield positions and pitched. We beat St Louis, Milwaukee and Minnesota. lost to the White Sox. making us go 3-1 in the tournament. We had to beat Minnesota in order to go to the championship so coach told me I was pitching. I pitched giving up 2 hits 1 walk, and 2 runs but i struck out 12. I pitched the whole game and took the team to the championship by winning 10 to 2 but then in the championship we lost to the White Sox again 5 to 1. We stayed at the hotel where they gave us new hats new uniforms and practice clothes. At the end of the game a guy from St Louis came up to me and asked if I could sign a ball for him. This is the first time someone actually did that to me. It was awesome! I got the taste of being pro for a weekend. I got back to the hotel and after I showered the coach of the older team called me over and told me he wants me to practice with his team so I can play for him next year. He told me when we win next year the team goes to the world series and we get to play at a Pro stadium where College coaches and Pro scouts attend. He said he’s gonna get us a Pro tryout next year, the first day we get there. Then he left it by saying that he’s never seen a 15 year old throw the baseball the way I did, and that was it. I’m returning next year with the older team to play and hopefully get exposure.”-CJ