“When I was 2 or 3, I picked up a baseball and bat and hit it by myself. My dad said ‘you’re a baseball player.’ ”
Since then, it’s been a rare occasion when a ball or bat has left senior David Richardson’s hands. “I’ve been playing year-round for eight years; I don’t get a spring or summer break, but in the end it’s worth it,” said Richardson, and he wasn’t exaggerating. He’s spent the past three summers away from home on AAU teams such as the Florida Bombers, Midland Indians and Midland Braves. Though he missed his family, the experiences were highly memorable.
While on the 2007 Midland Braves, Richardson’s team was the winner of the 2007 Mickey Mantle World Series. After eliminating their opponent 11-0 he was suprised to learn that he had received the series MVP award.
“At first I didn’t know [it was me].” He still considers it the greatest moment in his career. “It felt great. I wasn’t expecting it at all, it was my first MVP, first World Series, it was my first everything,” Richardson said.
While he has enjoyed his high school career, Richardson is ready to begin playing for a college team. He is currently being considered by UNC, Alabama, Arizona, Maryland, Miami, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, LSU, UCF, USF and UF.
“I’m ready to go somewhere else and see something new,” he said. “I’m tired of Florida.” He will make his decision by May 1.
While playing for a collegiate team is a big accomplishment, Richardson is shooting for the major leagues, and ultimately hopes to being inducted into the Hall of Fame; a large feat even for Richardson.
If he could play for any team it would be the Rays because they’re his hometown team.Though the future of his career is uncertain, one thing is sure: his father will be supporting him the whole way. “The person who’s helped the most is my dad, he’s the one who got me started playing baseball and has been my main support system throughout my career.”
“A lot of people play because of the money and what not; but he’s really out there because he loves the game. I’ve been playing with him for a while now and lived with him over the summer,” said senior Jay Laurienzo.
“Overall, wherever he goes he’s always making someone laugh, but he takes care of his business on the field which will take him far.”