Andy Tan

Andy Tan

BASEBALL

           Who would have known that an introverted and shy guy would be part of the Ateneo baseball team? Despite being usually quiet, Andy Tan plays a big role in the Ateneo baseball team as a pitcher or an outfielder. His phenomenal pitching has been quite an asset for the team and has undoubtedly been a contribution to why they were able to grab the silver medal in last year’s UAAP season 74. His passion and love for the game has allowed him to excel in every aspect possible, but according to him, he believes that he still has room from improvement; Such humble words from one of Ateneo’s greatest athletes.

            The team has been recruiting freshmen from all over the nation’s capital to help add firepower to the team. When asked about what he can do for the new recruits, he said, “We get quite a number of freshmen players and as a junior, I contribute by helping these guys adapt to how things are done within the team and to act as a veteran. I try to let experience guide my way to teaching these guys new things to help them appreciate the sport more.” As a junior, Andy will be playing a big part in helping the new recruits grow as baseball players. He has to stray away from his usual quiet self for the mean time in order for him to have a positive impact on the new players.

           

            As difficult as it is to be a student athlete, it is vital that he is able to balance his academics and his dedication to baseball. He must always keep in mind that he is a student athlete, and not an athlete student. According to him, the team is required to train every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30am-10:30am to get their conditioning done and to be able to go through some drills. “Being a student athlete is pretty demanding. With a rough training schedule, it can be a struggle to find extra time to catch up on work or to find extra energy to get through long days/weeks.” That’s the life of a student athlete, but despite this Andy always finds a way to find time to have fun as well.

           

         Kudos to the Ateneo baseball team for winning ‘Breakthrough Team’ of the year during the Ateneo Athlete’s Night awarding ceremonies. This coming UAAP season 75 will be a very exciting one for Andy. As one of the older ones on the team, he will have a big part of the team on his shoulders. Let’s all wait and see how this year will turn out for Andy and his team.