HSBN Scholarship Essay Entry: Fernando Fernandez

Fernando Fernandez, #24, from the Miami Sunset Knights, is a 1st Baseman/pitcher that graduates with the class of 2020. Fernando had a 2.40 ERA when his season was cut short. He gave us some insight into what the past few months have meant to him.

Essay:

Not what I had envisioned for my senior year. My high school baseball career had begun at Miami Christian where as a freshman we won districts and in my sophomore and junior years, two state championships.

All through my early years of school and through the daily baseball grind, the long term goal was to peak at the right time, your senior year. How many times, I heard, “It doesn’t matter what you do now. It’s only important on your senior year”.

So it was finally here, at a new school (Miami Sunset), where I was welcomed with open arms, by teammates and coaches alike. This would be the only year where I would have an opportunity to play with my brothers. Three brothers on the same varsity team, pretty cool, Jose Fernandez a junior, and Eduardo Fernandez a freshman. The Fernandez brothers were ready. But it was my personal time to shine. My senior year.
It was finally here.

I had just gotten hot at the plate going four for six with two home runs in the last two games. But, something bigger than baseball was about to happen. God had other plans.

God wanted to remind us who is in charge and that we must be grateful for what we have. How can something that began in a place called Wuhan, China interfere with my baseball dreams.

The coronavirus has made me think what life is all about. Even if our senior year has been taken from us, it has put life in perspective. Something good comes out of every difficult situation. I’ve had the opportunity to spent quality time with my brothers and my parents, and, to reflect on the importance of family.

Baseball comes to an end for all. Whether it ends at an early age, in college, or later for the few who make it to the pros. Baseball always comes to an end. The relationship that we cultivate through baseball are for ever.

This experience will only make us stronger and more prepared to face what life will have in store for us. Everyone please stay safe and enjoy your friends, teammates, and family.

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