2025: Year In Review
How I turned my dream into reality, and how you can too.
This has been the most amazing year of my life thus far.
How so?
In December 2025, I was blessed with the opportunity to sign a contract to play for the Philadelphia Phillies Organization. That day my childhood dream became a reality.
But that alone wasn’t what made my year great. It just happened to be a fitting conclusion to a fantastic story.
It was the journey to attain that achievement, all of the glory and adversity, triumph and uncertainty, that made this an unforgettable year. It has truly changed me forever.
Looking back at myself 1 year ago:
January, 2025. The new year has just begun. I’m spending the weekend in the mountains of New Hampshire with my family and some good friends of ours. I specifically remember sitting outside on a cold, winter’s night, gazing up at the stars in the sky, obsessively pondering over what my future would look like.
I kept visualizing the things I wanted to happen, creating the image of success in my mind as if it was my destiny. I was so dissatisfied with my current circumstances I could feel it in my bones. But at the same time, the path to success was more clear than it had ever been, and for that, I was extremely grateful.
How was I, at 23 years old, never previously been a notable prospect, never achieved the success I envisioned for myself, going to become a professional baseball player?
I visualized it so much it eventually became real.
I envisioned myself becoming a great pitcher. Winning big games. Dominating in the big moments. This fueled me to do the work necessary to make it happen. Then once I started to see success, it was like pouring gasoline on a fire. I just kept winning.
“The visions I had for myself for so long are coming true. If I can imagine it, then surely I can do it.”
After months of pitching as best I can, traveling the country, meeting many new faces, and moving out on my own to chase this dream, I finally got the opportunity I dreamed of for so long.
That is the lesson I am here to teach you heading into 2026. You’re not ‘lazy,’ ‘lack discipline,’ ‘unlucky,’ or a ‘failure.’ You just don’t have a grand vision for yourself yet: one that is so intense, so powerful, it literally eats away at you every day you are not working to turn it into reality.
Your ability to visualize is lacking because your circumstances do not allow it. Complacency is just comfort. Maybe you ought to shock the system. Take on a massive risk that is sink or swim, completely change your environment, or fixate on attaining something that many want but few have. Then, when you feel a dire need to succeed, everything will become clear.
I pursued this unlikely dream of becoming a pro baseball player against all odds. There were times where people suggested it was unrealistic and would be wise to have a backup plan. There were times of self-doubt, where voices in my head made me question if all this was still possible. There were times where I would just fall to my knees and pray for an opportunity.
Thank God I kept going.
Through it all, this year has led me to ruthlessly be myself more than I had ever been in the past. No coincidence that I have met and befriended so many great people this year. It serves as a testament to being your true authentic self: you will resonate with the people who are meant to be in your life.
I am beyond excited for 2026. For my future baseball career, I know it only gets more difficult from here. I understand that an undrafted free agent doesn’t have the ‘best odds’ to make the Big Leagues. Who cares. I’ve been in this situation before, I’ve been the ‘underdog,’ I’ve been battle-tested, and I survived. This whole journey has given me the confidence to take on anything that gets thrown my way, no matter how insurmountable the obstacle may seem. The momentum is on my side.
Spring Training is right around the corner. Time to start counting down the days.
To all those who were a part of making 2025 such a special year, Thank You!