Newly Drafted Pitcher For the Atlanta Braves, Derick Himpsl, Visits Jansen Avenue

Derick Himpsl, the newest 96 mile-per-hour pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, was a special speaker at Jansen Avenue Elementary School. Jansen intermediate students were able to hear first-hand how perseverance paid off for Himpsl as he fulfilled his dream of playing professional baseball.

Himpsl was a former student of the Johnstown School District, who exchanged his studying time for playing time and soon found his grades slipping away. He wants other Johnstown students to know education needs to be their top priority.

"Do your best in school and you will have no regrets," said Himpsl.

Himpsl managed to complete his requirements for his high school certificate, but recognized that his priorities were not in their proper order. His experiences gave him a passion to share with young students the need to stay focused on their schoolwork and become all they aspire to be.

"I was lucky," Himpsl said. "Luck doesn't always happen that way. I am thankful." 

All of the Jansen intermediate students wished Himpsl luck as he went to catch a plane for training camp. Himpsl left the students with a new respect for school — and he gained a great group of supporters to cheer him on during the season!