Since he was 3 years old, senior Austin Cardona has been playing baseball and constantly growing a passion for it.

The senior was recently invited by UC San Diego to go for a baseball prospect camp but did not attend.

Cardona hopes to get picked up by a college that offers him a scholarship.

“If they offer me something I’ll go,” Cardona said. “If not, I’ll go to Delta.”

Growing up, Cardona was always around baseball. His uncle played minor league baseball in the 1990’s and his grandfather played for the Stockton Ports – he is determined to live up to their legacies.

Cardona is currently starting at shortstop and plays pitcher as well.

Cardona is greatly motivated by his family, his grandparents attend every single one of his games.

The support of his family is what keeps him going. “That’s why I play,” Cardona said. “I want to be able to support my family in the long run.”

Also, baseball is the main reason why Cardona has a 3.30 grade point average. “If I didn’t have baseball I wouldn’t be motivated to get good grades,” he said. “Without grades you can’t get anywhere.”

Cardona currently plays alongside his childhood buddies seniors Roman Florentino, Ruben Corona and sophomore Valentin Valentin. They have all played together since he they were 12.

Valentin says Cardona has always been in love with the sport of baseball and has always been dedicated to playing ball.

“He would always be the first one to practice and the last one to leave,” he said.

Having many people who care about him in the stands and on the field keeps him going and makes him try harder.

Two of those people being his current baseball coaches.

“If It wasn’t for coach Angelo and coach John I wouldn’t be the ball player I am today,” Cardona said.

“Austin is one of our leaders on team,” Angelo said. “He makes sure everyone one is doing their job .” Many of the players look up to him and the way he plays.

“He gets the guys going before each game,” Angelo said.

Cardona says he will keep on playing baseball for as long as possible and plans on continuing to work hard in the hopes of getting the baseball scholarship of his dreams.