JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An 11-year-old Jacksonville baseball player led his team to a championship with a dominant performance at the National USSSA All-American Games in July.
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Lashun Highsmith, or LJ, hit a triple in the tournament, played first base and pitched as his team went a perfect 7-0 record in the tournament. And he celebrated his 11th birthday.
“I learned that I can do anything that I put my mind to,” he said after winning the championship.
He was selected to play in the USSSA All-American games in Melbourne, Florida. It is a national organization that allows kids his age and even into their early teenage years to showcase their skills on the diamond.
“It’s about the hard work and the passion of the game,” LJ said. “The game is a thinking man’s game. You have to think about every little move.”
His family was there to cheer him on, including his mom and dad. His father and coach, Lashun Highsmith Sr. got choked up while talking about seeing his son thrive.
“My son has always been a good player, but it’s always coming up to him handling adversity and everything else,” Highsmith Sr. said. “That is a young kid. A 10-year-old, you expect that. I watched him grow up right there.”
LJ will now play for two local travel ball clubs: The Florida Mets and the Stolen Base Kings.
The same organization is having a free camp on Aug. 23. at Richardson Road from 11 a.m. to noon for young ball players between 4 and 12 years old.
LJ said his game is progressing and he’s ready for the ride.
“I am stronger [and] faster,” LJ said. “I think better now that I understand the game a lot more.”