(Note: I wrote this during the summer of 2009, during the course of writing for the college admissions process. It will also be published soon in a collection of writings from students at my high school, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard.)
I could call him my idol. Or call him my friend. Or just another player striving to make a career in Major League Baseball. But he’s not just an ordinary ballplayer. He’s been in the minor leagues for over ten years, after which most players would have given up, unable to withstand the frustration of not being recognized any longer. The reason that Mike Cervenak has been able to be successful for all these years is because of his incredible ability to focus. No matter what new prospect comes along that the Phillies’ are hyped up about, Mike continues to out-produce them. Even so, the player with more hype surrounding (and more money invested in) him will get better opportunities to advance, and more chances to prove himself in the big leagues. Mike continues to be passed over for younger, high-potential players. Through every setback, Mike has somehow been able to ignore the things he can’t control – and instead, concentrates on his own performance.
 |
Mike Cervenak as a member of the Philadephia Phillies, 2008 |
After watching Mike through many of his struggles over the years, I suddenly found myself in a position not unlike his. My 9th grade year, I was placed on the freshman baseball team at Pioneer High School, when many people were convinced that I deserved to be on varsity, or at least junior varsity. I was beyond disappointed. A few days later, I received an email from Mike himself. He told me that I had been given a title that I had no control over. However, I could not let this title affect how I viewed myself and how I performed. He said I had been provided with a perfect excuse to not give it my all; I could probably coast through the season and still produce results. But then I would sell myself short; allowing myself to be defeated by issues that are out of my control. Taking Mike’s advice, I went on not only to have an outstanding season, but since then have had a great high school career as well.
Mike never let others’ opinions shake his belief in himself. From his example, whenever things don’t go my way, I ask myself if I did all I could to prepare. If so, I have to deal with the fact that I can’t control the outcome of every situation, but I’d better continue to prepare to face the next challenge when it comes along.
 |
Mike and I after an offseason hitting workout back in 2005 (I like this picture...we still stand "eye to eye" at this point !) |
As I finish my senior season of high school, I can now look forward to continuing my baseball career in college. Part of this, I believe, is because of Mike Cervenak and his example. Mike too, continues as a professional player. Like Crash Davis in the famous baseball movie "Bull Durham," he is now a veteran player who has spent a long career in the minor leagues. I am sure that many young prospects, if they are smart, look up to Mike and admire his ability to always focus on the opportunity of that day’s game.
Postscript: At the start of the 2010 baseball season, Mike is with the Buffalo Bisons, AAA affiliate of the New York Mets.
