It ’ s been a long road with years of practice and dedication , but Thomas Jefferson High School grad , Alec Warden has earned a spot on one of the top baseball programs in the country . As a Jaguar , Alec was a three-year starting shortstop , with a batting average of . 485 . To put this in perspective , an average high school player will usually average around . 300 to . 350 . Though his hitting has been a strong point , his fielding ability at shortstop has gained him serious attention .
“ During the season , I ’ m playing baseball seven days a week ,” says Alec . “ In the off-season , I usually put in four days a week of lifting . We have a batting cage close by , and me and my teammates go there and hit year-round .”
Alec started out by playing T-ball at the age of five or six . In middle school , he played travel ball and for metro teams . Though he was always a really good player , he made a defining switch from outfield to shortstop as a sophomore in high school . This was a wise move by head coach , Tim Vickers who realized that shortstop might be a better match for his personality . Alec thrived at the new position and likes the fact that he sees more action . “ There ’ s never really a play where you can take a break . You always have to be involved in the game ,” Alec notes .
His parents , Doug and Barbara Warden are especially proud of his accomplishments . “ Once Alec sets a goal and gets into that mindset — that ’ s it ,” says Barbara . “ He wanted to play in Division 1 and he accomplished it . And he ’ s done it all while
being a member of the National Honor Society and working . We ’ re a big proponent of working for things . If he knew he wanted a $ 500 bat , he would get a job and pay for it . He sometimes had to work at two jobs .”
Alec says that his parents have been incredibly supportive of his love for baseball , and he doesn ’ t mind the work . One of his jobs was delivering pizza . “ The tips are fantastic !” says Alec . He also has been giving lessons to younger players , who find his enthusiasm for the game contagious .
He may not have too much time for delivering pizza at Penn State . He ’ s always working to improve his hitting game , and concentrates on getting stronger and more powerful . One of the reasons he chose the university is Coach Mike Gambino , and Alec liked all of the people associated with the program . The school is also investing in the baseball program to make it even more competitive .
He hopes to play pro ball someday , but for now he is squarely focused on being a successful college player .
“ It really comes down to how much you love the game ,” says Alec . “ I love how forgiving and yet how unforgiving the game is . It definitely teaches you lessons that you carry with you for life . Failures are going to happen . It ’ s about consistency and bettering yourself as a person .”
We wish Alec all the best at Penn State and will be watching his college career . n
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