Max Zimmerman steps into the batter’s box at La Roche College with his nerves high as he stares at the 6 foot tall senior about to pitch him. All these nerves seem to fade when Zimmerman singles an inside pitch to left-center field.
“Some of the best players in the state were at this showcase,” Zimmerman said. “Almost everyone there was bigger than I was. I just tried to stay cool and play my game, and I guess it kind of worked.”

This showcase, held in September, was a “big deal” for Max. He said he is being scouted by some local colleges.
Zimmerman admitted that he was nervous but said, “I realized that I was there for a reason. I worked hard all last season.”
Zimmerman’s travel coach, Tom Sankovich Jr., was the one who encouraged him to attend the showcase.
“He has what it takes to play baseball at the college level,” said Coach Sankovich. “He just needs to keep working, which I know he will, and he will be successful in wherever the future leads him.”
Brian Shipley, Southmoreland head baseball coach, said Zimnmerman’s attitude “is about as positive as I have ever seen in my 20 years of experience as a high school and college coach.”
Zimmerman believes his attitude is the main reason for his success. Shipley also claims that Zimmerman “works extremely hard on and off the field” to better himself as a player.
“Max works very hard daily in making not only himself a better player and teammate, but everyone else on the team as well,” said coach Shipley.
Zimmerman also plays on the travel team Fayette Force. Sankovich, the coach, calls Max “a pleasure to coach and a great teammate.”
Zimmerman claims that the second baseman from the Red Sox, Dustin Pedroia, inspires him because of his famous quote: “My size sure isn’t something to intimidate you, but my effort and attitude make up for it.”
“Seeing how a small guy against huge powerful players uses effort and hard work to carry him through his career really inspires me,” Zimmerman said.
Many baseball players turn into great players from years of coaching and practice, but Zimmerman hopes that he has something special that can’t be taught, and that is his passion for the game of baseball.
“When I want something, I put everything I have into it,” he said. “I don’t do anything unless I completely love it. I find what I want to do and work as hard as I can to achieve it.”
Zimmerman strives to play the game he loves at the collegiate level and hopes to major in anesthesiology.