Blake Dickerson found himself in a familiar place on Wednesday but with a different perspective. The recent Ocean Lakes High School alums and San Diego Padres 12th round draft pick reminisced upon his dream come true - signing a professional baseball contract – and all the successes along his journey to reach this opportunity. From making memories of hitting home runs and throwing perfect games as a preteen to leaving his home at Virginia Beach for Blacksburg, his sacrifices have led up to a chance to show what he can do in the majors.
On Wednesday morning, former Ocean Lakes pitcher Blake Dickerson found himself where he was most comfortable - out on the baseball diamond at Princess Anne High School. It was a bittersweet moment for him, as it would be his final visit to the local fields before signing a contract with the San Diego Padres on Saturday - an opportunity that came about after the 6-foot-6 left-hander was selected in the 12th round of the MLB Draft on Tuesday. With pride and optimism, Dickerson expressed his excitement for the future.
"It's been a dream of mine since I was little to play professional baseball, and now that it's here, it's kind of crazy," he said.
Dickerson's pursuit of his passion for baseball has not been without sacrifices. Leaving his home in Virginia Beach for Blacksburg was a difficult decision, but one that he made with courage and determination. Instead of dwelling on his sacrifices, Dickerson looks forward positively and confidently. He knows that pursuing his dream of playing professional baseball is worth any temporary discomfort or hardship he might face. Despite the challenges, he is taking the time to appreciate every memory he's made during his baseball journey. From throwing a perfect game at the age of 11 to being in Cooperstown when he was 12, he cherishes even the most minor victories. With such courage and an unshakeable determination, there's no doubt that Dickerson will go far in his baseball career.
Dickerson has faced his fair share of obstacles but refuses to let them dampen his spirits. He's incredibly proud of everything he's achieved and can't wait to see what the future holds. His unwavering determination and optimistic outlook on life have allowed him to overcome hurdles that would have left others feeling defeated. Instead, Dickerson has emerged more robust and resilient, ready to take on whatever challenges come his way. His infectious positivity inspires those around him to follow his lead and never give up on their dreams. If anyone can tackle whatever lies ahead, it's Dickerson.
In the face of adversity and change, Blake Dickerson has persevered to reach his goal of playing professionally. Every step along the way, fearlessly pursuing opportunity after opportunity, his commitment and dedication have paid off and brought him to this new milestone with the San Diego Padres. As he said, it’s been his dream since he was a little kid. Even though saying goodbye is complex, the optimism and bright future ahead allows Dickerson to show gratitude for all the smaller wins in his career that finally led him to make an MLB roster.
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