Baseball player senior Damian Cataño was signed to play with Mount St. Mary’s University on Nov. 12. He will play as first base, as well as pitcher at the college.

“[Cataño] picked up a bat at the age of one,” said his mother Mrs. Marisa Gaeta-Catano.

Cataño himself confirms his early start in baseball, as well as how his family has been an inspiration to him.

“I started playing baseball when I was [three-years-old] and enjoyed the game and being able to watch it on TV and my family’s love for the game inspired me to [pursue] the sport of baseball,” said Cataño.

However, Cataño also had other sources of inspiration, and can relate to one particular MLB player.

“My favorite player is Freddie Freeman. We both play first base, and I love how he’s very humble and plays the game the right way and is always a good teammate [and] I try to resemble [the way he plays and acts] in [how I play],” said Cataño.

As much as he was inspired by his role models and mentored by his coaches, he has also set a great example for others, which has been stated by his mother as well. She said that, as the oldest child, Cataño has been “an inspiration first to his younger siblings…[and] many younger baseball players look up to him.”

But, this isn’t his first achievement as a player; last year he won a huge title.

“My greatest achievement would be getting SGV player of the year for San Gabriel Valley. To be recognized was an honor due to the amazing talent [at other schools and within our own] and I was grateful [that I did] well last season,” said Cataño.

After winning the title last year, he now has an opportunity to play college level baseball, and he says he will use it to become better at his sport, and grow.

“I am grateful for this new chapter and excited to gain new knowledge and improve my skills and academics at the next level. I will use this opportunity to get bigger, stronger and try to make it pro,” said Cataño.

Mrs. Cataño also talks about her son’s future, and hopes for his success, and said that in ten years from now she was able to see Cataño “ still playing baseball and maybe… [opening] up a facility to teach other aspiring baseball players.”

At the same time, Cataño says he “plan[s] to study business and will continue [playing baseball] after college or [even join the MLB] as well if possible.”

Regardless of what the future holds, one thing is certain. Cataño’s unique opportunity is a result of his hard work, achievements, and dedication.