(Editor’s Note: Brandon Stahl is a 2010 graduate of St. Dominic HS, where he was an Under Armour All-American and three-time All-League selection. He attended Div-I Old Dominion in Virginia before transferring to Adelphi, where he enjoyed a breakout season in 2013 with a .309 AVG and .356 OBP. The following words are his own. This was originally published November 11, 2017)
By Brandon Stahl
Deciding to join the military was definitely one of the harder decisions I have ever had to make in my life to this point. Many people talk of a “calling” when it comes to this line of work and one day that calling hit me and I never looked back.
In my personal opinion, serving and defending this country is one of the most honorable endeavors a person can immerse themselves in and my passion for this has stuck with me since I was a young kid. Seeing my recruiter in uniform made me only want it that much more. I was fortunate enough in my life to attend college and earn my bachelor’s degree as well as play baseball at the collegiate level, but at the end of the day I knew there was something more out there for me where I could challenge myself and succeed while also serving a greater purpose.
Soldiers have come and gone before me and there will be an infinite amount after me, however those who have served have always been my true inspiration. To know so many before me have gone forth and put their lives on the line to protect a country that gives us so much is what keeps my fire going.
Prior to graduating college, I stuck with my gut feeling and made this decision that has changed my life for the better and would not trade it for anything. The feeling of being part of such an extraordinary team that is there for the same fight just as I had experienced in all of my years playing baseball is second to none. The pride I feel everyday putting on my uniform means the world to me knowing what I represent and what I fight for and I hope at the end of the day that will inspire individuals after me to join and be a part of something large than themselves.
All of the games and practices during my years of playing baseball in which I challenged myself to be better for the team correlated to my everyday life in the military where I am presented different challenges to make myself better for this team. Back then I looked up to professional players to inspire me to be better, only now I also obtain my inspiration from veteran soldiers who have come before me so that I can accomplish what they have. Inspiration can come from various avenues; however it is up to each individual to figure out what theirs is. I found mine in the army and those who have served before me and it has guided me on a path that I will never forget and forever be thankful for being a part of.