By Derrick Smith

Athletes put a lot of work in so they can reach their full potential. While the work is important, having someone to look up to can have a big impact. Whether it is someone that plays the same sport as them or just someone that they respect, their influence can be immeasurable. Alvin Rodriguez says that the person he looks up to the most is someone he has known for most of his life.

“My brother, Adrian, is my biggest role model,” he stated. “He has been practicing with me since I was little. He has really helped me get ready to play baseball in high school.”

Alvin, who is a junior, attends Altus High School. He plays second base for the Bulldogs baseball team. Baseball has been a part of his life since the day he was able to pick up a bat. And he says that starting at such a young age is what Rodriguez attributes his success to. 

“I think starting baseball when I was so young is a big reason for the athlete that I am today,” he stated. “It has allowed me to learn and grow over the years while continually working on being the best I can be.”

Throughout his years of playing the game he loves, Alvin has enjoyed a few memorable moments while on the field. Out of all of them he says that there is one that stands out as his favorite.

“I would have to say that the highlight moment of my career would have to be hitting a walk-off home run in the tenth inning of a game in the Southern Oklahoma Invitational Tournament,” he stated. “It was a great feeling watching the ball fly out of the park and knowing that I was able to help my team get the win.”

As a student at Altus, Rodrigues has sat through the lessons from a number of different teachers, but there is one that stands out as his favorite.

“Mrs. McCasland was my freshman English teacher,” he stated. “She made learning fun and she was a really nice person.”