Cory Smith

By; Benjamin E. Lykens ( Whetstone staff writer)

He did it for his grandfather.

It was he who introduced sophomore baseball player Cory Smith to the game, who made him hunger to even just try out for a major league baseball team.

After his grandfather died of cancer, Smith decided to try out for the Philadelphia Phillies.

“My grandfather was in a hospice,” Smith said. “I told him I was going to try my best to do it for him because he taught me everything I know.”

Smith said he also decided to try out for the team because his ultimate dream is to be a professional baseball player. He called a Phillies scout and went for the tryout.

“It’s an open tryout,” Smith said. “Anyone can go if they want to.”

But Smith said he has a big – or, rather, a small – problem: at 5-feet 6-inches, he has found that his height limits big league opportunities.

“Coming out of high school I talked to the (Colorado) Rockies but they found bigger guys,” Smith said.

Smith said he was able to make a good impression at the Phillies tryout.

“It went really well,” Smith said. “They (Phillies) told me they liked what they saw and would keep in touch.”

Smith said he was disappointed at not making the Phillies, but he isn’t going to let his height hold him back.

“That’s what has pushed me to keep going to these tryouts and working toward my goal of getting drafted,” he said.

Smith said that he is excited to continue his career at Wesley and that he expects to improve his game.

“Since I’ve been here, Coach Underwood has helped me a lot by critiquing some things that are going to make me better,” Smith said. “He really knows what he is talking about.”

Head baseball coach Brent Underwood said that he believes in Smith’s ability.

“Cory has a chance to be a great player but he has a lot of stuff to learn,” he said.

Underwood said he doesn’t believe Smith’s height is a factor.

“Obviously I’d like everybody to be 6’3” and 205 pounds, but his height doesn’t really affect him.”

Kailyn Wingate, sophomore and friend of Smith’s, said she is excited to see him giving his all to achieve his goal.

“I’m really happy that he is pursuing a dream of his,” Wingate said. “I wish him the best of luck in accomplishing his dream.”

Smith said he understands the road up ahead isn’t going to be an easy one, but remains determined.

“I’ve always liked a challenge and I see this as just another obstacle in my way,” Smith said. “It could stop me, but I am not going to let it. This is something I have to overcome.”