By Chris Cox

Some athletes bounce around and try multiple sports before they find the sport they love. But, for Tecumseh High School junior Dylan Graham, baseball has been a sport he’s loved since he was little. 

“My grandpa has always played catch with me since I was young,” he said. “I’ve been playing baseball since tee-ball. So probably since kindergarten.”

To stick with a sport for 12 years or so, you have to love it. Graham, who pitches and plays middle infield for Tecumseh, says he loves playing baseball.

“I love how much each game can roller-coaster,” Graham said. “One game can be good, and another can be bad. One inning you can be up by five runs but the next inning you could be down by five. I love the anticipation and how crazy the game can be.”

While Graham enjoys the up and down nature of baseball, he recognizes that means he can’t take plays or batters off. Especially when he’s on the mound. 

“You have to be mentally strong,” Graham said. “If you give up two hits in a row, you have to be able to believe that you can get the next out. You have to trust your teammates and know your role.”

Graham believes that if he and his teammates handle their business and play their respective roles, Tecumseh can achieve big things on the diamond. Before the season began, Graham said the team set out a goal to make it to the 4A state tournament. 

“My freshman year we won districts but weren’t able to make it past regionals and last year got cut short,” he said. “This year we are trying to punch out ticket to state.”

Along with baseball, Graham plays football for Tecumseh and is involved with FCA. While he doesn’t have any firm plans for after high school, Graham knows he wants to play either football or baseball at the next level.