At this time in the school year, most high school teenagers are starting to count down the days until their homecoming dance and Christmas break; but one extraordinary junior at the Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota, FL, Desmond Lindsay, has his sights set on bigger things…giving back and making a difference in his community. Lindsay has been given a unique opportunity not many his age get to experience. He has been selected to play on the 2014 Power Showcase All-World/All-American Baseball Team, being held January 2nd – 5th, 2014 at the Miami Marlins Ball Park. This prestigious event showcases the most prolific amateur high school baseball players in the world, brought together from twenty countries. Fans and MLB scouts alike will get their first glimpse of the upcoming international talent, as the event will be broadcast/streamed live world-wide.
While Lindsay will proudly represent Florida (he’s PG Ranked #1 1B in the state) in the Home Run Derby, as well as the United States (PG Ranked #5 in the nation) in the All-World/All-American Baseball Classic during this four day baseball extravaganza, his participation signifies something more for him, his family and his supporters.
As Lindsay will tell you, he feels fortunate to be able to attend the Out-of-Door-Academy, a college preparatory school offering a well-balanced program of academics, the arts, and athletics. He has thrived in the diverse environment, excelling in his studies and as the starting first baseman for ODA’s Varsity Baseball “Team Thunder,” due to the support of his teachers, coaches, family and the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund. Being the fund’s first recipient, which provided him a full four-year scholarship, was an honor Lindsay did not take lightly. He continues to look for ways to give back and contribute to the fund’s mission of providing opportunities for socio-economically diverse students to experience an independent, college preparatory education at The Out-of-Door Academy’s Upper School. Lindsay is determined to help other deserving students in his community get the educational background that has been offered to him through the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund.
As a result, Lindsay will be partnering with the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund to raise money through his performance and participation in the International Power Showcase All-American Baseball Team. “It is no surprise that Desmond (Lindsay) is utilizing his involvement in the International Power Showcase to give back to a charity that means so much to all of us,” states Athletic Director and Coach at ODA, Brett Timmons. “Desmond’s character is what has made him so successful in school, in baseball and in life. He truly wants to make his school and community a better place and help others; a rare find in a young man his age.”
While Lindsay has won many awards and honors, he has not let that affect his ego or friendly approach with everyone he comes in contact with. His intense desire to give back and make a difference in the community is evident in the way he conducts himself and values his peers, superiors and even guests.