Lakeland, Tennessee native Trey Harrington, a sophomore business administration major, has been playing baseball since he was a child.

Harrington appeared in 32 games, started in 12 and hit his first career home run his freshman year. With a little over a month to go in this year’s regular season, Harrington already has a home run under his belt and has surpassed his single game highs for assists, runs scored and putouts from last season.

The third baseman credited his father for helping to develop his game early on in his life.

“My dad started me out as soon as I could walk,” said Harrington. “He was throwing a baseball, putting a baseball in my hand, putting a bat in my hand, making me do anything with sports.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Harrington initially played both basketball and baseball. He earned All-Region honors in basketball after leading his high school team in assists and three-point percentages.

Harrington described why he still enjoys the sport after over a decade of experience.

“It’s something I’ve always played, something I don’t ever think I’ll put down until I’m forced to put it down,” explained Harrington. “I just love coming out here with the team. Great guys on this team. I love coming out here and competing knowing they have my back. I love the game of baseball. Coming out here, it’s a great atmosphere, especially if you’re in Hammond.”

During a game, Harrington focuses on being a team player to help his team accomplish their goals.

“Going out there and doing whatever I can, whether it’s get a hit, make a good play on defense, lay a bunt,” shared Harrington. “Do anything I can to help out the team.”

Between schoolwork and games, practices are when players sharpen their skills. Harrington noted practices are also a time for competition between teammates.

“During practice, everybody comes out and competes,” explained Harrington. “Everybody’s competing for a spot. We focus a lot on defense, make sure nobody scores, and we do a lot of hitting, just a lot of fundamental stuff to make sure we’re prepared for the games.”

Besides practicing the fundamentals of the game, Harrington discussed how the coaching staff prioritizes competition and work ethic.

“They just emphasize, ‘Go out there and compete,’” shared Harrington. “Play every game as if it’s your last game. No matter what you’re doing, play as hard as you can, whether if you’re fielding a ground ball or running a pop fly, do everything as fast and as hard as you can.”

Harrington believes baseball is more than just a sport. Alongside great memories and making lifelong friends, Harrington stated he has learned important life lessons.

“Coach Rod does a great job of molding us into a great young man,” explained Harrington. “I think he does a great job, not only teaching us baseball, but teaching us how to carry on with life, how to persevere through all kind of hard obstacles, and he teaches us how to keep on going no matter what happens. That’s what I love more about baseball. The lessons you learn with baseball.”

Harrington advised children learning the sport to have fun and remember that baseball is a game of failure.

“If you fail three out of ten times, or whatever the percentage is, you’re still considered a Hall of Famer,” said Harrington. “Go out there, have fun, your results will come with your work. Continue to work hard no matter what is happening.”