Day by Day, Newman becomes a star

By TRAVIS LAHR / For Jersey Baseball Nation

Dylan Newman remembers playing baseball from the time he began to walk.

Growing up, it was always his favorite sport, and it quickly became a part of the natural routine in his life. The Princeton High junior appreciates “being able to go to school with my friends and then playing baseball with them after school.” His baseball career has presented him with the opportunity to play not only against other athletes that he has grown up around but to play baseball year-round on both high school and club teams.

Spring means focusing on high school baseball and the goals he has set for himself and for his team. On the baseball field, Newman is an Outfielder. He recognizes that his efforts and performance in the field and at bat this season are pivotal to the opportunities that may await. Although schools have begun to reach out, Newman prefers “to remain mellow with it” and just continue the grind. His primary goal is to attend a school for its academics and if baseball is a pathway there, then he is all for that.

Newman, like many athletes, has faced obstacles along the way. One summer while on a youth travel team, he was moved down from the A team to the B team. It kick started something for him, motivating him to work even harder. This mindset in addition to a timely growth spurt, propelled him from a B team player to a varsity and state team player, all within one year.

“Being able to come from that place where you weren't always that good and that confidence that you are better than everyone else has now really helped me in my progression so far in baseball," Newman said.

Dylan motivates himself by visualizing what he wants to look like as a player beyond the present moment. He asks himself what that person would be like, next week, next month, or even next year. “What’s the best opportunity I can give Dylan?” This question is a personal motivator and helps him to avoid the trap of focusing on what other players are doing and comparing himself to them. Instead, he compares himself to only himself.

“Trying to be a better me any given day.  A year from now I want Dylan to not even be close to the Dylan that is today,” Newman said.

The progression of life, of always getting better. That mindset can take a person places, whether it’s in the classroom, on the baseball diamond, or somewhere else. Newman is not satisfied in himself yet and he will continue to grow and mature both as a student, an athlete, and beyond.