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It’s a Whole New Ball Game for Hometown Pitcher

New York Yankees pitcher Hayden Wesneski Shares His Love of the Game and Community

Article by Stephanie Parnell

Photography by Chris Spicks

Originally published in Cypress Lifestyle

Hayden Wesneksi didn’t set out to be a professional baseball player, and he certainly didn’t think he’d end up signing with the Yankees. In fact, it wasn’t until he was an older student that he realized he had something that might just be intriguing to pitching scouts. Long-time resident of the Cypress area, Hayden started playing tee-ball when he was in preschool. His talent for the game continued to blossom as he played ball for Arnold Middle School Buccaneers and the Cy-Fair High School Bobcats. 

By the time he reached college age, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 33rd round of the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft, but seemingly wise beyond his years, Hayden just didn’t feel ready for the Majors. Grateful to the Rays but firm in his convictions that he wasn’t ready, he declined the offer and went on to throw for the Sam Houston State Bearkats. Three years later, things continued to get more interesting. In 2019, he was drafted by the Yankees in the 6th round, and he decided to take his pitching to the next level. 

With the support of his parents and his brother Cole Wesneski, a successful 22-year-old college pitcher in his own right, Hayden is now busy gaining pitching experience–and life experience–with the Yankees Triple-A team. Hayden credits beloved former Houston Astros pitcher Charlie Morton for his pitching style that Hayden adopted during a period of struggle. Hayden seems to have a pragmatic attitude when it comes to struggling, though, which is yet another sign that he’s the right person for the job. 

“One of the reasons I love baseball so much is that it teaches you how to handle failure,” says Hayden on the greater life lessons that baseball can teach anyone. “In baseball, as in life, you will have struggles, and you have to stay positive and learn to cope with failure as things may not always go your way. That’s just the way life is sometimes, so you just have to get out there and do the best you can.” 

With a love of baseball and the relationships you form from playing, Hayden encourages young kids to play if they’re interested. He believes baseball has the power to teach other life lessons as well, such as how to stick to a routine and how to build relationships with different types of people with different personalities. 

“It’s another thing I love about playing,” says Hayden. “I have met so many great people that I never would have met if I wasn’t on a team.” 

One thing is for certain with Hayden: He’ll continue to harness his positive attitude, determination and grit to succeed at the next level. “Once you get on the mound, you just have to get after it,” says Hayden. “I’ve learned more about how to handle success and I’m going to continue to work hard, stay positive, and build good relationships in the game.” 

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