Connor Betz
What the game of baseball is teaching him about life
What's your name, age, and grade?
Connor Betz, 13, 8th Grade
How long have you lived in Paso Robles, and what do you like best about it?
I have lived in Paso Robles for my entire life. What I like best about Paso Robles is the close community and small town feeling, where everyone supports each other and we take pride in where we live.
Can you tell us about the sport you're involved in? Are you part of a team? What position do you play?
I play travel baseball for the Central Coast Phillies. My primary positions are third and first base, my secondary positions are pitcher and second base.
When did you start playing, and what inspired you to pursue this sport? Do you have any sports idols or role models?
I started playing baseball when I was 5 years old. I instantly fell in love with the beauty of the game and the way it challenges you. That love is what inspired me to pursue baseball. My sports idol is Mike Trout, because of his loyalty to the Angels and his love for the game. Even though he had opportunities to leave, he stayed because he didn't care about fame or money, he just wanted to play baseball. I don't care about money or fame, I just want to to play the game at a high level, and that is exactly what Trout did. My role model is my Dad because he believed in me before anyone else, and he is an amazing man who has pushed me, taught me important life lessons, and he has done anything in his power to help me in my career. I hope to be even half the man he is.
Tell us about your favorite moment, memory, or milestone thus far in your athletic journey.
My favorite milestone thus far in my athletic journey was when I hit my first PR deadlift in the 200's. As a little kid, I watched influencers lift these crazy weights, and I dreamed to be as strong as them. Now, I am starting to see myself grow and get stronger, and it's making me even more motivated to keep grinding until I get to the top.
Are there any specific values or life lessons you’ve gained from your involvement in sports?
The sport has taught me time management by balancing school, practices, and the responsibilities of being the student body president of my school, Lewis Flamson Junior High. Baseball is a game where you could do everything right and still fail, which has taught me resilience and the effects of a strong work ethic. I've also learned how to be a team player by being a good teammate, helping my team win, and putting the success of the team before my own.
Have any coaches or mentors played a significant role in your athletic development?
Throughout my journey, all of my coaches; Alec, Elliot, Kyle, Nick, Connor, Tori, and Coach Stroud have played a significant role in my development. Whether it was sharing their knowledge of the game, pushing me past my limits, helping shape me into a better athlete, or simply believing in me when no one else did, each coach has made a big impact in my journey. I can't put into words how grateful I am for these coaches, and I hope to live up to their expectations. I feel blessed to learn from them and I am eager to continue learning and growing from future coaches.
What are your future goals and aspirations, in sports and beyond?
My goal for the future is to keep improving and growing as a baseball player, while staying focused on my education. I want to compete at a high level and see how far my dedication and work ethic will take me in this sport. Beyond baseball, I hope to use the lessons I've learned to make me a good man with strong morals, and serve my country in the military.