Nickname: Shoelace / Age: 12 / Grade: 5 / School: Minneola Charter Elementary

Tyler is recognized for his talent in baseball, an activity he has enjoyed since a young age. Tyler plays on multiple baseball teams.

My parents put me into baseball when I was four years old. When I was little, my older sisters both played softball and I enjoyed watching them. I wanted to play too.

I can switch hit, which means I can hit both righty and lefty. I play the positions of shortstop, second base, pitcher and catcher. I play baseball at Minneola Athletic Complex, and for travel ball I play at different baseball fields in the state.

My favorite accomplishment in my baseball career so far was my very first no-hitter.

My favorite thing about playing baseball is being able to have fun with my friends.

My sisters are my biggest role models. They were really good at softball, and that makes me want to be just as good. All of my teachers and coaches have taught me important things too. I have learned that hard work and lots of practice do pay off.

School has always come first in my house, so I always have to study. I do really well on the FCAT test at school, probably because I don’t stress under the pressure. Even though I am in 5th grade, I can do math at an 8th-grade level, and reading at a 7th-grade level.

After I graduate I would love to attend Notre Dame in Indiana. One of my goals for the future is to continue playing baseball in college.

My advice to pass down to younger baseball players is to practice how you want to play, because if you don’t practice right, you won’t play right.

• I got the nickname Shoelace from a coach a long time ago because I always had to call timeout during a game to tie my shoes.
• My favorite subject in school is science, and I enjoy learning about the solar system.
• My favorite professional baseball player is James Loney.

STORY: Celia Jacobson  //  PHOTO: Fred Lopez