Andrew Hammer is Still Pitching with Heart

Photo by Mitchell Hammer

After completing his time at John Jay last year, Andrew Hammer got a scholarship from Curry College, and while nervous when the day arrived, it was excitement that ruled the day. “It’s basically what I wanted all of high school and what I trained for,” he said. “It’s right there and I’m officially starting,” he remembered. So thrown in like the rest of the freshman, the pitcher stood tall despite the fact that the early going began decidedly on the down side.

Out of the bullpen the first time,” Hammer said, “I gave up a lead off single, walked three in a row and got pulled.”

Taking the failed stint pretty hard, the John Jay grad had plenty of support to pick him up. “A couple of my teammates helped me get back mentally, because when it happened I was pretty lost out there,” he said.

Hammer also relied on his past to get the proper restart. His little league coach always advised him to look forward, but the memory still had to be conjured. “My dad was there and told me to focus on the next outing,” the son conveyed.

A bullpen session was next, and going well, he first foot was in the stirrup. “It made me remember the pitcher that I am,” Hammer said.

Even so, the opposing batters weren’t there to oblige when he took the mound next. Initially getting into a base loaded jam with no one out, the words of his captain reached the mound. “You’ve got to pitch with heart,” he yelled to Hammer.

The inspiration was received. “I dug down, got out of the inning, and that’s when I got my confidence back,” he said.

His next appearance had him work a scoreless eighth inning in relief, and a start was his reward. “I gave up one run in seven innings on two hits and four strikeouts,” the pitcher said.

Overall, Hammer racked up seven appearances with two starts and a 1-1 record. A rebound that give him a real boost. “It definitely made me feel a lot better about myself, walking with my head held high on campus,” he said.

A definite necessity at the college level. “You got to be locked in and focused on every pitch,” he said. “The game moves so much faster.”

Of course, there was a game outside the lines too. “The atmosphere was very welcoming,” he said. “I love all the guys, they were easy to talk to, and I fit right in.”

A good thing because the schedule was pretty intense from the September to May. The fall meant a heavy drilling and practice schedule and spring break was far from a respite. In the gym everyday and running after, the repetitive regimen forced everyone to power through. “All the work brought the team closer together,” he said.

Hammer was there for more than baseball, though. The freshman is majoring in Sports and Recreation Management and was especially proud of one particular school project. “I made a full on media guide for the Yankees,” he said.

Using photoshop, the student sees a future using computer graphics to make his way. A long way to go, though, the key to academic success is a no brainer. “It’s all about time management - especially when you’re in season. Practice, recovery and then focusing yourself, because baseball is a mentally draining game.”

On the side, there’s usually parties on Friday and Saturday night, and the Yankee fan even takes advantage of the hospitality of Fenway Park. “The Red Sox do a thing called student nines - $9 tickets for students,” he said,

The home cooking obviously not expected for the Bronx Bombers, he also makes due in the dining hall. “It gets the job done,” Hammer said.

So does the phone in times of trouble. “I know both of my parents always have my back, and they’ll do anything to fight for me,” he said.

Making going away all the more easier, he recommends the same for others who are sitting nervously on the fence. “It just opens a door to the world, and there are so many possibilities,” the pitcher concluded.