By Derrick Smith

Throughout any person’s life, there can be multiple people who can influence them and help them grow into the person they become. Landon Bunch has two people who have had a big impact on his life. One is someone he is very close to and the other is someone he has watched from a distance.

“My dad is the biggest role model in my life,” he said. “Mainly because of his work ethic he had in baseball and everything he accomplished with his baseball career. My other role model is Derek Jeter because of how he played the game of baseball, how he led as an example on and off the field. No matter the situation he always stayed composed. When he made errors he didn’t dwell on them. He was the leader of his team and was the guy they always wanted up at the plate when the game was on the line. I have been working hard all off season so I could be that guy for my team.”

Landon is a senior at Collinsville High School. He plays middle infielder and pitcher for the Cardinals’ baseball team. He started playing the sport when he was young and there was no turning back. 

“I immediately fell in love with it,” Bunch said. “I was four when I joined my first organized baseball team and have been playing competitively the last 14 years.”

Playing one sport for that long has allowed Landon the ability to grow as a baseball player, both physically and mentally. He says that sticking with it is the most important part to being successful.

“It takes commitment, dedication, and passion,” he said. “I love the sport of baseball and everything that comes with it. Starting every day with the mindset of getting better.”

After he graduates from high school in the spring, Bunch is hoping to continue his education and baseball career at the next level.

“I have not signed with a school yet, so my options are open,” he said. “I’m looking forward to visiting colleges in the spring.”