DGS senior Justin Topp pitches his way to the ‘topp’ and to the end

DGS senior Justin Topp, a pitcher for the varsity baseball team and Team Easton, is doing everything he can to cherish his last year playing.

Baseball has always had a significant role in his life and has made him into the person he is today. Topp is a pitcher for DGS and a first baseman for his travel team, Team Easton. Topp explained how baseball has affected him from an early age.

“I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember. … I would say that it is a passion of mine. Baseball has been a really big part of my life and I enjoy playing it,” Topp said with a smile.

Even though college is in his future, he does not wish to pursue baseball any further. Topp explained how he hopes to thrive in the business world without the stress of being a student-athlete.

“Now that I’m grown up, I’ve realized that I’d rather get the education that I aspire to obtain than struggle in a baseball program and my rigorous classes,” Topp said. 

Topp has become a powerful team player, committed to helping his team succeed. He has also developed life-long friendships that he has no intention of losing any time soon. Topp talked about the relationships he’s made through baseball.

“I love the team atmosphere. It’s not just a solo sport. I’ve made many friends throughout the years through baseball. There’s a ton of kids I’ve been playing with for seven or eight years, and I really cherish those friendships,” Topp said. 

From playing tee-ball to hitting home runs, he has grown immensely as a player. 

“My first home run of my career, back when I was eleven years old, two hundred foot fence, absolute moon shot. Great, great times,” Topp said. 

Topp has taken many important things away from his baseball career. Even though it’s coming to an end, he appreciates everything he has accomplished with his team and experienced with his supporters.

“I’ve learned how to communicate with others and how to work with others, which is very important for my future,” Topp said.

Topp has given beneficial advice to incoming freshman playing sports at DGS. 

“Work hard. Nothing is given in sports at DGS. You have to work for everything you do, and if you start now you’ll earn more playing time and a good reputation,” Topp said. 

As Topp ends this chapter in his life, he has made a promise to himself to stay in touch with what has shaped him into who he is.

“Now that I’m getting older, my time is coming to an end, and I’m going to cherish every moment I have,” Topp said.