HSBN Scholarship Essay Entry: Jake Molloy

Jake Molloy, #3, from the Somerset Canyons, is a shortstop/pitcher that graduates with the class of 2020. Jake is a three-time captain for the Cougars, and was hitting .357 when his season was cut short. He gave us some insight into what the past few months have meant to him.

Essay:

The COVID-19 virus has struck all of us, worldwide, in one way or another, and I pray for those who are struggling during this epidemic. For myself, it has been unbearable to go these last couple of weeks without being able to play the greatest sport of all time with my teammates and fellow ballplayers.

I honestly never imagined that my senior season would end before it had even really begun. I can say without a doubt my teammates feel the same way.

Our baseball season was looking quite hopeful, going 4-3-1 up until the point of shutdown, as we went into our game against John I. Leonard on March 13th. The seniors, myself included, were ready to “play like it was our last” and leave everything out on the field.

Unsuspectingly, that Friday afternoon WOULD be the last baseball game some of them would ever play. A fortunate few, like myself, will continue to play baseball at the Collegiate Level. Yet, it pains me knowing that some of my closest teammates, those that I have met through our shared love for the game, would never again get to experience what we once had.

While I am thankful for these baseball memories with them, this has been the first real instance of ‘never take anything for granted’ for me. Nothing in my life has hit harder than this realization.

During these turbulent times, I’ve made it a priority that I keep in touch with coaches and teammates because I consider them family. The memories I’ve made since freshman year with some of these guys are what made my high school experience the best it could have been.

More importantly, I know that no matter how far apart we are in miles, our bond will last a lifetime. I hope we look back at this hardship and say how it all, (figuratively), brought us together even more. The boys of the 2020 Varsity Somerset Cougars baseball team will always have a special place in my heart. I don’t think I could forget them if I tried!

For me, I have been reflecting on how quickly life can change. I know that I am one of the fortunate ones, I have a home to be in during this epidemic, a supportive family, online classes, with some amazing teachers, so that I can graduate on time and look to my fall semester of college up north where I will play college baseball for Southern New Hampshire University.

I work hard in my home gym to keep growing physically, dieting and eating healthy, and am staying positive in mind and spirit.

Sure, I could think about all the things that I am missing; Varsity Baseball, Prom, Grad-Bash, Senior Awards, Graduation, or I can continue to look ahead and push through these tough times.

Most important of all, baseball is more than just a game to me. Everything in my life I do to the fullest and with the utmost pride. Baseball is my lifestyle. And yes, I was one of those kids who made up his mind at 6 years old that he wanted to play Major League Baseball when he grows up.

The first time I held a ball in my glove, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I play the game for myself because it brings me happiness, but I realize that I also play for my teammates who will no longer get to play their senior season or ever again.

I continue to remind myself daily of why I started playing this wonderful game in the first place, and never to forget how lucky I’ve been to play alongside some of the greatest coaches, teammates, and friends that I could have asked for. For they have truly made the game of baseball the experience I know it as today.

Writing this essay has helped me reflect on this turn of events. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve earned, and so glad to have spent the entirety of my four years in high school as a part of Somerset’s Varsity program as well as being a Captain for three of those years.

I would personally like to thank Coach John, Coach Smith, Coach Jenco, Coach Nino, Coach Trudel, Coach Pepe, Coach Bruce, and Coach Brian for helping me become the ballplayer I am today.

Editors Note: Seniors wanting to enter the competition, follow the link below:

HSBN Senior Essay Scholarship Competition

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