THE SALEM ROCKET
SALEM, OH- In the latest episode of the YSN Player Profile podcast, we had the distinct pleasure of profiling an incredible young talent who has captivated our attention for the past four years: Carson Rhodes. As a standout baseball player for the Salem Quakers, Carson’s journey is a beacon of dedication, hard work, and leadership. We chased Carson, humorously noted by host DJ Yokley, “like the dragon,” and finally captured his thoughts as he prepares to transition to collegiate baseball at Virginia Tech.
Carson Rhodes has had his share of ups and downs throughout his high school baseball career. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Carson described the extraordinary transformation from a rocky regular season to a strong playoff run in 2023.
“During the season, we were very inexperienced, [with] a lot of young guys,” Carson explained. “So, me and a couple of other senior guys really tried to rally around and get the guys to learn the game.”
The team’s perseverance paid off, significantly improving their defense, which Carson acknowledged as a pivotal factor in their playoff success. “In the tournament, it’s been crazy how much different our defense has gotten…everybody had to step up and make plays. And right now, we’re making plays at the perfect time.”
Carson, along with teammate Lance Bailey, has been instrumental in guiding younger players through the trials and tribulations of high school baseball. Recounting his experiences, Carson praised the camaraderie and mentorship crucial in fostering a winning environment.
“Watching even for me, just watching [my brother] Lane lead that team the way he did and those senior guys…watching those guys lead us the way they did…we knew how to make it that far. And to make it that far, you have to have leaders.”
Facing immense pressure is something Carson has learned to handle with grace. Given his early commitment to Virginia Tech, opponents often saw pitching against Carson as a challenge they wanted to conquer, adding another layer of intensity to each game he played.
“Every team is so fired up every time I pitch…I’ve learned to kind of block that out, take a couple of deep breaths between every pitch…just other teams love it when I don’t succeed against them, I guess.”
As for his future, Carson couldn’t be more eager to step onto the collegiate stage with the Hokies. With a new pitching lab and a robust program awaiting him, his goals are clear: to outwork everyone and make an immediate impact.
“I want to get down there on the right foot…I want to be a guy that goes in there, works hard, and hopefully get some innings as a freshman.
Finally, Carson highlighted the values instilled in him by his family, which will continue to guide him as he moves forward.
“Everybody in my family is just a hard worker, and they’re always determined. If they have something on their plate, they’re going to get it done.”
With immense talent and an unwavering drive, Carson Rhodes’ future looks incredibly bright. Here’s to his next chapter at Virginia Tech and beyond.
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