The Review recently spoke with first-round MLB draft pick Steven Jennings, who talked about his life playing baseball in DeKalb County, and gave young athletes some good pieces of advice.
How old were you when you first started playing baseball, and when did you decide it was something that you were passionate about?
Steven Jennings: “I started playing around three or four years old, just in the yard with my dad. Then at around age five or six, started playing in some travel leagues and just really was passionate about it from the beginning. I've always been really competitive and at five years old, I told my parents I wanted to play baseball on TV so I think really from the get-go, it was something I was very passionate about.”
Who have been your greatest influences, and why?
SJ: Without a doubt, my dad. (Randy Jennings) My dad is my hero, and like I said, he was always there to play with me and throw in the yard. Not only in baseball, but football and basketball as well. And outside of sports, you know he is just such a great role model. I look up to him in everything. The way he treats my mom and my sister, and everything he has done for me and our family. There's nothing I could ever say or do to thank him for everything, but definitely my biggest influence is my dad.”
You tore your ACL in the fall. How hard was it to return from that? What kept you pushing to get back to the game?
SJ: “The injury was for sure something that was upsetting, of course, but as soon as it happened, I just thought, ‘No one else is going to feel sorry for me, so why should I feel sorry for myself?” So from the beginning, I was determined to tear up the therapy, and get back to playing as quick as I could. As far as the motivation to get back, it was all just wanting to get back to do what I love. I couldn't think of a better thing to do every day, so I just wanted to get back to do my thing on the mound.”
Have you faced any other adversities in your life that you had to overcome?
SJ: “Other than the ACL, there's never been anything really devastating, and you know even the ACL wasn't like a life or death thing. You know, obviously it was upsetting not getting to finish my last year of football, but there are more important things in life than sports, and while it was upsetting at the time, I just realized there was a bigger picture and God had a plan for my life, and football just wasn't in that plan anymore. I have been very blessed and very fortunate in my life. God has put me in a great family and community and I couldn't be more thankful to be where I'm at right now.”
Who is your favorite baseball player, and why?
SJ: “I don't really have a favorite player. I’m just a baseball fan. I love watching any kind of baseball, but you know when I was little I always loved watching Sammy Sosa, and some of those guys like Derek Jeter, and some of those baseball greats.”
If you had one thing you could say to the young people of DeKalb County who have a dream to play baseball, or to reach any goal, what would it be?
SJ: “To the kids in DeKalb, you know if you ever have a goal or something you want to do, no matter how big or small, just go all out and go for it. Don't sell yourself short with anything. Anything worth doing is worth over doing, so just give it everything you have and don't walk away from something thinking you could've put more effort into it.”
When can we expect to get an update from you on your journey?
SJ: “I'll be back from Florida in probably September, but in the meantime, I'll be on social media from time to time, and my mom will definitely be on Facebook, so just keep your eyes open for that. You will be able to find out what's going on with me. Good things, I hope. Hopefully I can just represent DeKalb County well and make everyone here proud!”
You have already made DeKalb County proud, young man! I know I will be watching and keeping up with your every step. You are a bright, intelligent, and polite young man. I will be writing articles about you in the future. I can already tell. Good luck, Steven!
