Bucks County Community College Sophomore, Isaac Galarza has achieved his 100th strikeout during this Baseball season. After conducting an interview with Galarza, he had a lot to speak on when it came to the feeling of achieving this milestone, the preparation, and as well as his tactics used on the field.
When Galarza was asked about his feelings on achieving his 100th strikeout he states, “ In all honesty, achieving 100 strikeouts as a sophomore felt like a sigh of relief more than anything else. Yes, there’s happiness and there’s excitement, but I mostly felt relief. Felt like all the hard work I put in paid off and that all the doubt went away.”
Next, Galarza was prompted to elaborate on his pitching in the specific game in which he earned his 100th strikeout he shares, “I earned my 100th strikeout against Williamson College of trade. It was a great way to do it because they are our conference rivals. Going into the game I was at 94 so I knew I needed six to get it but during the game I did not think about it at all. I just tried to put my team in the best position to win and forgot about it until someone told me I got it at the end of the game.” Galarza uses this mindset to make sure he handles the game accordingly with his team before focusing on his personal statistics.
To reach personal goals or career goals there is preparation that is required to perform well. When Galarza was asked what strategies he focuses off the field to ensure quality pitches he states, “Off the field in practice is where the grind really happens in order to put myself in this position. In practice I am really focused on being efficient mechanically on the mound, which means doing as many reps of something until it’s perfected. Trying to keep that same intent in practice like in game so when it gets to be game time I am already prepared mentally. Also being in the gym six days a week, doing recovery and sauna in order to keep the arm healthy throughout the season.”
Balance and focus is key to earning any goals. Acknowledging the human body needs and what works to become stronger, and stay healthy is key for a successful athlete.
A pitcher’s job is to keep the batters on their toes, and keep them unexpecting what is going to be thrown over the plate. Galarza expressed his style and pitching series by sharing, “My arsenal of pitches consists of a 4-seam fastball, a 12-6 curveball, and a changeup. These 3 pitches are the bread and butter to strikeouts. I get most strikeouts with the curveball, but I throw my fastball 80% of the time so it mixes up the timing of batters.”
Pitching is an area where Galarza can confidently show his personality and style that makes him stand out from other pitchers.
Achieving this goal in his baseball career takes time. Galarza was willing to share some personal and background of his baseball journey.
There are many sports offered, and what one decides to put their time and energy into. When Galarza was asked when he started playing baseball and knew this was the sport he wanted to grow with, he states, “ I started playing baseball for as long as I can remember. My dad played baseball in college and my two older brothers also played growing up so I was raised in a baseball family. I played other sports like football and basketball but baseball was the one I stuck with in high school.”
Having an influence as well as a support system goes a long way for any athlete. It helps the athlete have a good mental mindset and creates a safe as well as a trusting environment. Galarza was asked who his biggest influence is in his baseball career and he goes to share, “My biggest influence in my baseball career was definitely my parents. My dad taught me everything about baseball growing up, and was pretty much my first coach. He’s the man that got me into the sport and helped me get started. My mom was always my biggest supporter and made sure I stayed level headed and that no matter the outcome of a game I would keep the same attitude and not let it affect me. She taught me how to be a great man on and off the field. When I have those two in my corner I can never lose.”
His sharing’s demonstrate the true impact of how support helps him to not only be respectful, open minded, and determined off the field, but he carries this attitude and applies it off the field as well.
Bucks is a school that is welcoming and also builds a profile for athletes looking to advance their education and sport of choice after their term is done at Bucks. Galarza was asked about possible future plans, and he states, “After bucks I plan to go to a four year college and play baseball, but also get a degree. After my 100th strikeout I have been getting some recognition from coaches but I do not have a decision on where I will end up. I know wherever I end up I will contribute in a positive way and I can’t wait for what the future has in store for me.”
Bucks encourages anyone at any level to get involved and try a sport. Sports at Bucks are a great way to get involved, meet new people, and also achieve goals while competing at a college level. For more information, stop by the athletic office, or contact Bucks athletic.