Most college baseball players begin playing long before their teenage years. Parents enroll their children in competitive sports the second the kid can compete. By the time they enter adolescence, some kids treat their sport like a full time job. They play on multiple teams for school and out of school. They condition year round to stay in shape. It’s an obsession to be the best.
But senior pitcher Andrew Perez didn’t pick up a baseball competitively until 8th grade. The University of South Florida signee was cut from the high school team his freshman year. But luckily for the Wolves Perez continued to work on his game.
Throughout the next year leading up to tryouts, Perez improved his mechanics. He improved his velocity. He improved his glove. He took heartbreak and used it as motivation. Ultimately, he outworked his competitors that year, and ended up becoming a star because of it. “I still think about getting cut, and wonder why,” said Perez.
He made varsity his sophomore year and had a great season. The Wolves went to the Regional Final in 2013, eventually falling to Durant High School. Perez’s season highlight was a near no-hitter against then nationally ranked Spruce Creek High School.
Heading into the next season, fans had high hopes for the Wolves. They were expected to at least make Regional playoffs but the team had a rough year. For the first time in four seasons, they were not district champions. Despite having another stellar season individually, it left a bitter taste in Perez’s mouth over the offseason.
In 2015, Perez wants to re-capture a district title and make a strong run at the regional championship. “We’re putting it all together right now. The pitching and defense has always been there, but now the hitting is coming along and we’re stealing bases. The expectation is to return to at least the regional semi-finals,” said Perez.
So far the Wolves are on their way. They’re 6-3, having won their last four games after two disappointing losses against Winter Park High School. “We’ve played really good the past few weeks and I don’t see many teams scoring a lot of runs off me or Perez. We should make a dent in the postseason for sure,” said junior pitcher Michael D’emo.
D’emo, also a starting pitcher, is learning the ropes of a varsity pitcher from Perez. Perez has taken D’emo under his wing and showed him how to lead a team. “Andrew has been like a big brother to me since my sophomore year. He helps me get mentally ready for every big game. This is my first year being a starter, and Andrew knows the best way to get loose and warm up,” said D’emo.
Perez is frank with teammates, and knows how to be a leader on and off the field. “He can be vocal but he also leads by example. He’s a true competitor. He wants to finish every game he starts. He’s a big component of our team,” said senior pitcher Miguel Veras.
Perez will continue to dazzle us with his 90+ mph fastball and nasty off-speed pitches the rest of his senior season. He isn’t mentally checking out. Some college recruits don’t play hard their senior season so they don’t risk injury, but Perez is playing harder than ever. His power arm is not going anywhere except Tampa for college next fall. He will continue to throw hard for his team not just because he loves the game, but because it is an obsession.