John (Lathan) Ferris '22 Recruiting Profile

My name is Lathan Ferris and I'm currently a Sophomore at Elmore City-Pernell high school.  As long as I can remember I'v had a love for baseball, my mom has said many times that I was born with a bat in my hand.  I would watch the older kids play and could not wait until I could be out there on the field.  My parents have always been my biggest supporters and influences in my life.  The hours they have spent taking me to practices, games, and tournaments almost every weekend have meant so much to me and I will forever be grateful to them.  My coach, Travis Jennings has deepened my love for the game.  He started coaching me in the 6th grade and has always been such a positive role model in my life.  He has been hard on me many times but I know now it's because he saw something special in me and wanted me to be the best player I can be.  The highlight of my career thus far is starting on the varsity team at first base as a freshman, winning districts and making it to regionals.  I feel this is the year that helped me grow as a player because I had to be a lot more disciplined and competitive playing against upper class men.  My goal academically is to be taking college class as a Junior in high school.  I have always put academics first while playing three sports and so far I have achieved that goal.  My dream is to play baseball at the college level while pursing my degree.  Coach Jennings sent my mom a text and wrote something that will drive me even more to be the best, he said "You can just tell he really loves it when we play, he does things that others don't just out of respect for the game and how it should be played.  I wish I had 10 of him."  I feel like I have what it takes to be a leader and asset to any team I have the privilege to represent.