What's Your "Y"

Henry Hersum "Big Hen,"  ODU Baseball

Give us a brief background of how your fitness/sport journey has evolved?

I was never “the best” baseball player or looked like much of an athlete growing up, but I loved the game of baseball. Even though I didn't play on the all star teams when I was younger, I still developed a great passion for the game.

Going into my sophomore year of high school I was about 160 pounds, and had never been in a weight room. Fast forward another year, and I’ve gained 40 pounds, and started receiving interest from college coaches. I had fully bought into the process to become a college baseball player, and to fulfill my dream.

After another year of hard work, I began to rack up college offers, and a lot of attention from professional scouts. I committed to play division 1 baseball at Old Dominion University. After seeing another jump in velocity as well as adding another 20 pounds to my frame, many more professional scouts took notice. After needing elbow surgery in the spring of 2020 to remove a bone spur, I am well on my way to coming back stronger.

Who has been your main source of motivation over the years?

I have been very fortunate to have a very supportive family, coaches, and friends who have always believed in me. They have always pushed me to never be satisfied, and achieve my goals. I also follow Andy Frisella and Tristan Jass, two social media influencers who have greatly influenced my mindset and desire to be great with anything I do.

Where do you find more motivation: doubters or supporters?

Doubters are the ultimate motivation for me.

At the end of the day, doubters are the people who are going to make me push myself to new heights. It is great having an awesome group of people who support me, but I believe having people that doubt me is just as important to help me achieve success.

It’s always good to have people to prove wrong. 

What is the biggest mental challenge you've had to face in your sport and how have you conquered that?

After beginning to rise in my success on the mound this past spring, I began to have arm pain which led to me getting surgery to remove a bone spur. At first, it was very tough mentally, realizing I wouldn’t be able to continue pitching and reaching my goals. 

What do you do to make sure you're physically and mentally prepared for competition? 

Sticking to a daily routine and weekly routine for training has been key for me over the years.

Once I realized the importance of recovery, I learned of YOLKED and other key supplements that have been a game changer for me. 

Describe your recovery strategies.  

My stretching and mobility work plays a key role in my recovery methods, along with putting the right things in my body on a daily basis.

Supplements such as YOLKED protein, as well as eating the right foods, play a huge role in my recovery.

What's Your "Y"? What keeps you going and training as hard as you do?

Not having the will to settle for being average is my Y.

If I want to do something or be something, I am going to give it everything I have until I achieve it. 

Where do you see yourself as an athlete in 5 years?

I aim to be pitching for a professional baseball organization 5 years from now. 

 

 

“It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you put the work in… you can achieve anything” ~ Tristan Jass

“Live hard” ~Andy Frisella

Live hard means that you will never settle for the easy path/easy way out in any decision you make.