BROCKPORT, N.Y. – A beautiful baseball metaphor for life is when life throws you difficult pitches, foul them off and live to see the next one. Few people possess both the determination and perseverance to both literally and figuratively foul off the pitches they receive. One person who is able to claim both is The College at Brockport's very own Eli Carrera.

"Eli's stats do not show everything that he brings to the (baseball) team. If you look at the video (of Carrera fouling off pitches before a game winning hit last season) that tells you who he is," proclaimed Brockport Baseball's Head Coach Justin Beach. "In a brief video of him battling for a game-winning hit it tells you who he is. That's the story of his life."

Carrera was born and raised in Cuba before moving to the United States in 2008 as a permanent resident. His grandfather was granted political asylum after being imprisoned in Cuba for his beliefs which allowed an easier transition for Carrera than many other baseball players.

However Carrera wasn't coming to the United States for a multimillion dollar contract from a professional baseball team. He was a teenage boy plugged into the Rochester City School District (RCSD) with many other non-English speaking adolescents.

"My English education suffered being around so many other Spanish speakers," explained Carrera. "It was easy to communicate when everyone around me spoke Spanish."

But things changed when Carrera transferred schools to attend Franklin High School. A greater emphasis was placed on learning English, as his desire for the language was fueled by his love of baseball and his college aspirations. While at Franklin his confidence grew as he continued to put in the time and effort of someone that truly cared.

Carrera would arrive at school at least one hour ahead of normally scheduled classes to work with an English teacher. But as his English improved he learned of some devastating news. He would not be eligible to play baseball his senior season at Franklin due to his age.

Despite the discouraging news, Carrera found leagues to play in to keep his skills sharp enough to earn a roster spot on the Monroe Community College (MCC) Baseball roster the next year.

"Eli was a raw talent," said former MCC Head Coach and Brockport Baseball alum Mike Kelly. "He was always willing to put in the time and was a very hard worker in the classroom and on the field. At Monroe we did a good job of teaching so I had no worries about his development."

Carrera was a prominent force for the Knights in his first year, but after an injury he missed his entire sophomore season. He came back for a third season but was left off the roster by a new coach on the final day of cuts.

"My faith really helped me get through that time," confessed Carrera. "I prayed a lot for another opportunity. I told myself, 'I'll show them how good I can be and what they're missing.'"

He found a new opportunity when he transferred to Genesee Community College and he fulfilled one of his desires as he hit his first collegiate home run in an at bat against the Knights.

After one year with the Cougars, head coach Skip Sherman informed Beach of Carrera's ability and desire to become a teacher. Beach was unable to attend one of his games but based on Sherman's testimony, some Cougars game film and Carrera's numbers, he was given a shot.

The baseball field has always been a place of comfort for Carrera but during his time at Brockport he has grown in many other capacities. His English has improved, he has become more independent and he has developed leadership qualities making him a better teammate which have paired with his energy and passion to make him a strong student.

"His passion for life, not just baseball oozes out of him," contributed his academic advisor Christine Hopple, Ph.D. "He is charismatic and a leader, even if he speaks a different first language – the language of a leader is universal."

Hopple credits Carrera for having a personality that children gravitate towards which bodes well for his future considering he plans on teaching back in the RCSD where he came from.

"My son Richard knew about Eli from a baseball video before he even met him and was here for a baseball camp," added Hopple. "I told Eli how much Richard wanted to meet him, so Eli found him on his own and started playing catch with him. It's that kind of energy and passion for baseball and interest in others, not just himself that really comes through."

Carrera has always possessed a big smile and a charming enthusiasm that proves to be contagious but he credits Brockport professor and athletics' mental conditioning coach Stephen Gonzalez, Ph.D. for opening his mind in other ways.

Gonzalez met with the baseball team prior to the season and helped Carrera expand his leadership qualities when he got the senior outfielder to focus more on the team than personal accomplishments.

"People feed off of good energy and people really like that," noted Carrera. "Before I was always thinking about me but now I'm thinking about the well-being of my team. It's like in a movie you have a main character and a side character. If you're given the side character role, are you going to complain? No, you've got to give the best you can do with that side character role to make the movie as good as it can be. Maybe my role won't have me playing every day this year, my role this year will be being there for my teammates and being the best that I can be with the time I have."

That attitude has resonated with teammates and helped the Golden Eagles buy into a team oriented atmosphere. Brockport's outfield is packed with quality athletes which can be difficult for individuals who do not get their number penciled into the lineup card on a consistent basis.

"Eli has a very positive contribution even when he is not in the lineup," explained second year Golden Eagle outfielder Drew DeBlasiis. "Even when I am in the lineup over Eli he is my biggest supporter. That shows a lot about who he is as a person. Eli's attitude has taught me that there is a lot more to life than baseball."

Carrera has nothing but praise for people along the way that have molded him into the man he is today. Whether it be his parents, grandparents, English teacher at Franklin, advisor, professors or coaches along the way, he appreciates all that has made him, accepting both the good with the bad.

"Seriously he fouls pitches off, he's dealt with adversity and overcome it to come out on top," added coach Beach. "If he keeps doing that and continues to improve, I know his future is going to be very bright."