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This Week We Feature Young Professional Jharel L. Cotton

Life has thrown him a few curve balls but young Virgin Islander Jharel L. Cotton refuses to be struck out as he is determined to fulfill his childhood dream, which is to play Major League Baseball. Photo: Provided
Jharel L. Cotton played for five different teams last season because he kept rising through the Dodgers Minor League System. Photo: Provided
Jharel L. Cotton played for five different teams last season because he kept rising through the Dodgers Minor League System. Photo: Provided
Jharel L. Cotton already has his fans cheering him on. Here he is seen autographing a bat for a young fan. Photo: Provided
Jharel L. Cotton already has his fans cheering him on. Here he is seen autographing a bat for a young fan. Photo: Provided
Jharel is currently in his first Major League Spring Training Camp as a pitcher after being elevated to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 40-man roster in the offseason. Photo: Provided
Jharel is currently in his first Major League Spring Training Camp as a pitcher after being elevated to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 40-man roster in the offseason. Photo: Provided
Jharel’s main goal for 2016 is of course to make it to the big league. Photo: Provided
Jharel’s main goal for 2016 is of course to make it to the big league. Photo: Provided
By Reuben J. A. Stoby

Life has thrown him a few curveballs but young Virgin Islander Jharel L. Cotton refuses to be struck out as he is determined to fulfill his childhood dream, which is to play Major League Baseball.

Jharel has overcome difficulties growing up, including losing his mom, setbacks in his game through injuries, some of which threw him into a near state of depression, but today is very close to achieving his dream as he is currently in his first Major League Spring Training Camp as a pitcher after being elevated to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 40-man roster in the offseason.

Dreaming on the sidelines

Our young professional starting dreaming of becoming a softball player on the sidelines as he was too young to even practice with the team in East End at the time. He would watch as his older brother and others practice and anxiously wait for his eighth birthday to come, when he would get his chance to practice with the team.

He said when he was about 7 years of age his stepdad encouraged him and his older brother to stop being indoors so much watching television and he took them to the park to play.

“So my brother and I went out there and saw a bunch of guys playing softball. The coach’s name was Mr Potter in East End. We asked if we could join the team but only my brother was allowed as I was under the required age of 8.”

Jharel noted that he was a track athlete and even travelled with a track team from the Virgin Islands to Miami when he was 10 years of age. “Track was my first love but I found softball more fulfilling. There was more interaction and fun.”

Putting aside track to concentrate on softball was easy for Jharel as his parents were supportive.

“They always wanted the best for me regardless of what I had decided to do. They really didn’t care what I was playing as long as I was having fun. They would come to the games and watch me play sometimes. They were just happy that I was outside actively playing rather than being inside lying on the couch.”

Turn of events

Jharel then moved to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands at around 12 years of age and was living with his uncle after his mother passed away a couple years after. He then moved to Virginia at age 16.

He would then receive a scholarship to Miami Dade College, thanks to a Mr Darren Canton of St Thomas. After spending a year at Miami Dade College, Jharel switched to East Carolina University to study Communications in 2011 where he was drafted after a year by the Dodgers.

Our young professional admitted that when he was drafted he was not exactly over the moon about it as he was not in the top round pick. In fact, he said he was not going to sign as he thought at the time that it probably was better to get his degree.

Challenges

Jharel probably would have had more doubts in his mind when in the same year he was drafted by the Dodgers he hurt his elbow and was sidelined for the entire season. The following year he returned to playing but the injury flared up again and he realised that he needed surgery.

‘My very first surgery was on my elbow.”

According to him, the comeback period after surgery was agonisingly slow, to the extent that he was having second thoughts about this passion.

“I was really depressed as it was not going the way I wanted it to be. I then just wanted to be at home rather than play ball. I just wasn’t right. I couldn’t do the things that I used to do before the surgery.”

Jharel said one of the players on his team approached him one day and said he noticed that he (Jharel) was coming to the ballpark everyday but looking rather depressed. “And he was like yo, you playing baseball for a living, you have to be happy for that. He motivated me a bit and I soon got back into the spirit because I realised he was right. This was a sport I grew up playing, that I loved so much and I needed to keep on playing.”

A turn for the better

He said it was midseason that his game started picking up again and he began to realise that he “could be somebody.”

Jharel became someone noticeable indeed and played for five different teams last season because he kept rising through the Dodgers Minor League system.

A wrist injury, however, slowed him up for some time as again surgery was required. Recovery he said though is going good. ‘I still have a little ache here and there but nothing too bad. I can play with it.”

Eyes on the prize

Jharel’s main goal for 2016 is of course to make it to the big league. “That is basically it- to make it and to stay in the big league.”

He still has some work to do, however. His curveball, which was one of his main weapons, had diminished after his first surgery and Jharel is determined to get it back. “I am not going to give up on the curveball. I will just keep working on it. I had a curveball before. That was my best pitch. I just lost it.”

Jharel’s determination is backed up by his faith in God, who he said comes first. “If it wasn’t for him it would not have been possible.” He is also grateful to Mr Canton, who he said played a key role in his baseball life. “He motivated me a lot and helped me get a scholarship to Miami Dade College. That set the foundation for my career. I owe so much to him.”

His girlfriend and other family members also play a very supportive role in his life, Jharel said.

Advice to youth

Our young professional baseball player advices young athletes seeking to make it to the professional level to “make sure you want to be the best player on your team. Even if you are not the best want to be the best, that way you will push yourself more and more to become the best. If second place is ok then you are already losing. Continue to work hard and wanting to be the best in everything.”

21 Responses to “This Week We Feature Young Professional Jharel L. Cotton”

  • ... (11/03/2016, 10:36) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is super vino is ah boss kudos mr cotton
  • *Hmm (11/03/2016, 10:48) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Take note young man of the BVI, here's one of your own who had a dream and pushed for it to come through. Quit sitting back wasting time & doing nothing positive with your lives. Come on, you all have health & strength make good use of it. Obstacles will fall in your path as is/was the case with Jharel but as you can see he kept going.
  • great (11/03/2016, 11:09) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a very good story!! All the best to you man.
  • Kay (11/03/2016, 11:23) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go young Cotton go! You only have one life to live. With so many young men struggling you should be proud of your accomplishment. Continue to strive and ALWAYS keep GOD one step ahead!
  • facts man (11/03/2016, 12:02) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our people can make it anywhere
  • KB (11/03/2016, 12:02) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats on your achievements thus far and your future achievements. You are a true inspiration to the youths in the Virgin Islands. Its good that you keep your faith in God as well. All the best young man.
  • one (11/03/2016, 13:33) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    shout out to my boy squeeky Sh..ts!!!
  • the rock (11/03/2016, 13:48) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    congrats young man, BVI, lets pray as one, for him to make it to the majors!
  • i from here (11/03/2016, 14:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    May God Continue To Bless VINO & Jharel site and boy We Love.
  • Johnny.......... (11/03/2016, 15:02) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    It might come a bit late but I would like to congratulate Mr Cotton for his achements and wish him more success
  • weed (11/03/2016, 15:08) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big up to Mr. Cotton
  • E. Leonard (11/03/2016, 19:41) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Often times the road to success is riddled with obstacles. Some people that do not encounter any obstacles do not reach the altitude that they could have if they had work a little harder or was a little hungrier. Anyone remember that bright kid in school that did not have to study but did not get as far as the other kid(s) that really hard to break a sweat. Someone wrote that success is 99% perspiration +1 % aspiration=success.

    Success=preparation+taking advantage of opportunity. Mr. Cotton continue to work hard, stay focused, stay grounded , stay humble and keep your eyes steadfast on the prize-making and staying in the Majors. If you do not make to the Majors, let it not be because you did not work hard enough. Chase your dream and never give up. Good luck in your pursuit!
  • Kello (11/03/2016, 21:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    All we need now is for young edwin to make theNBA
  • Lacy (12/03/2016, 12:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    another local has made the big league god bless you Mr. Cotton
  • that is why (12/03/2016, 16:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We should start playing baseball in the BVI because there is no future in softball.
  • foxy (13/03/2016, 08:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is also good news for the bvi and puts us on the map
  • Buzz (15/03/2016, 11:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Inspired
  • All the best (16/03/2016, 18:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great article Vino. I remember being part of the 8 year old team when he had to sit out. He was always around when Jam and us was practicing. I truly happy for him anyone who knows him personally know the kind of heart he has which is even more than his talent. Congrats again Squeekie I'm looking forward to seeing you on the hill this season.


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