1. Books before ball.

Sports were a big part of my life growing up-- I played football, baseball, basketball, and just about everything in between. While my dad always pushed me to do my best in whatever sport I played, he made sure to establish that my grades were always the priority.

2. Gear is always better than toys.

Growing up as an only child was always nice around Christmastime. I didn't have to worry about sharing anything I got, or wonder how many of those presents under the tree were for me, because they all were. With that being said, unlike a lot of kids, I seldom received any toys. I wasn't big on Hot Wheels, and action figures weren't really my thing. Rather, I typically received a plethora of gear which would come to facilitate my passion for sport and the outdoors. Baseball gloves, sleeping bags, mountain bikes, lacrosse sticks, kayaks-- you name it and my dad's probably gotten it for me. I'm thankful for gifts like these because they've enabled me to live out my adventurous spirit to the fullest, in turn supplying me with some of my most fulfilling experiences and fondest memories.

3. Life's all about choices.

My dad engrained a sense of action and consequence within me through a good mixture of punishment and allowing me to try things and ultimately fail at them. He was typically the enforcer between the two of my parents, and thanks to him (which may sound sarcastic but in the long run has actually served me quite well) I was grounded, had my phone taken, and punished in a number of other ways that allowed me to realize that actions have consequences, and fortunately I was taught this lesson long before I had to make any "big boy" decisions in life. Without an understanding and appreciation for the affect our choices can have being drilled into my head at a young age, I'd likely throw caution to the wind a lot more often, and who knows where life would take me. I've come to be much more intentional and pensive in everything I do, and I think I'm a better man because of it. Thanks dad.

4. Don't do things halfway.

As aforementioned, growing up my dad was constantly checking in on my grades and making sure that I was on my Ps and Qs in the classroom. While this was always the priority, he also made sure that I went all out in any other endeavor I chose to take on. For example, I played baseball for 16 years growing up, and while I didn't mind working out and practicing, I was often quite lazy when it came to stretching, which as many know is a crucial aspect of any athlete's game. My dad would frequently whip me into shape when he noticed I may have been skipping stretches. Even if it wasn't something as vital as an education, or as cool as a sport, he supported me and made sure I didn't do anything halfway. He often said "you can grow up and work at McDonald's for all I care, but if that's what you want to do, you better be the best burger flipper you can possibly be". While in reality this may have been hyperbole, my dad's always been there to make sure I never slacked in whatever it was I chose to do and that's something I'll carry on throughout my life and each venture I pursue.

5. Sacrifice for those you love.

My dad is a hard worker, plain and simple. He works multiple jobs, at all hours of the day (and night). 12 hour days starting at 3 in the morning, getting off of work at 5 in the afternoon and going to the next one at 6, etc. Throughout my childhood and adolescence, his work schedule has been all over the place, but you never hear him complain about it— he's happy to do what is necessary to provide for my mom and I, and it's one of his most admirable qualities; but, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

I've probably played upwards of 1,500 baseball games in my life, starting in February and playing until November. Of all those games, he probably hasn't missed more than ten. Despite being exhausted from work, he never failed to make it to my games and be there to cheer me on (or yell pointers at me from the stands, thanks coach). It was a priority of his, and it meant the world to me growing up. I knew just how tired he must've been, and how hot he probably was sitting in the sweltering summer heat, knowing he had to go into work that evening and work all night. Despite how unpleasant it sounds, he never missed a single game if he didn't absolutely have to. I hope that one day I can show half of that compassion for the people I love, for it's truly an awesome thing and one that I appreciate more than he knows.