Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Athletics are incredibly popular in the Suwannee Valley area. Almost everyone has their own fan base, whether it's football, soccer, weightlifting, wrestling or, of course, baseball. That is one of the reasons that the name Michael Edwards is on the lips of Suwannee Valley residents. The young man is currently in his sixth straight season with Five-Star National Baseball and has loved the game for years. Now, he is getting the recognition he deserves and has a shot at being featured in Sports Illustrated.
“Who is the next rising star?” the Youth Athlete of the Year website reads. “We're searching for an exceptional athlete who represents everything we love about sports to appear in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated and receive $25,000 to set them up for a bright future.” That is where Edwards currently sits. The competition started with thousands of entrants and, through a series of votes, has slowly been whittled down to a few, one of which is Edwards. He is currently a quarter-finalist in the competition, hoping to make it to the semifinals. However, in order for him to make it there, he needs votes from the community.
“He needs the community's support,” Sherri Edwards, his mother, said. “His motto is 'never give up,' so don't give up on him.”
“Michael is a great young man,” said Pablo Garcia, one of Edwards's coaches. “He is hardworking and very deserving of this recognition. No one deserves this more than him.”
“Big game? Big moment? Give the ball to Big Mike. He's built for the spotlight,” Coach Jason Grubbs said about Edwards. “With one of the best arms in the 11u baseball, he has ice in his veins! Happy to have him a part of our 5 Star Organization.”
Scan the QR code accompanying this article to vote for Edwards and help a local boy earn something he truly deserves. Voting closes on Thursday, Sept. 18, so vote as soon as possible.
