To only be an eighth-grader at Thomas County Middle School, Nick Herndon is far from average. Just ask Rachel Robinson, the widow of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson.
During his Thanksgiving holiday in 2013, Nick was able to fly to Cooperstown, New York, for a once in a lifetime opportunity. After corresponding through emails and phone calls with appropriate connections, he finally reached Mrs. Robinson’s personal secretary and, shortly after, was face-to-face with Mrs. Robinson for an interview.
“It was something that I’ll never forget,” Nick said. “She was very friendly and eager to talk to me.”
An interview with someone connected so closely to such a remarkable figure in American history is an accomplishment that most only dream to achieve. Nick landed the interview for the National History Day academic project themed “Turning Points in History.”
For an individual as driven as Nick, this milestone can easily be credited to the proper support.
“I just thank God that I was able to do it,” he said. “I know that I can’t accomplish anything without His blessings over me. I pray every day that my actions are carried out to God’s will because without Him none of this would be possible.”
It’s only fitting that the Robinson interview be granted to someone of Nick’s caliber. He’s quite the baseball player himself.
A former member of the Thomasville Attack (Thomasville, Georgia) and Sport Specific (Albany, Georgia), Nick is currently a utility player for the Georgia Batmen, a traveling baseball team out of Valdosta, Georgia. Being a utility man means that Nick can comfortably and effectively play numerous positions on the field. While he is talented enough to play all over, his preferred positions to play are middle infield (meaning either shortstop or second base) and corner outfield (meaning left or right field).
The Batmen are rather successful in their own right. In 2013, the team placed 33rd out of 105 teams in Cooperstown, New York at 
the annual invitational tournament at Cooperstown Dreams Park.
“Playing travel baseball is so much fun,” Nick said. “You get to go so many places and meet some awesome people. During one of our trips I got to meet (Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Braves’ pitcher) Tom Glavine and play against his son.”
Nick will be playing in his fourth season with the Batmen and looks forward to the upcoming challenges.
“I just love the game,” Nick said. “I plan to play as long as I can. I just want to continue to grow and get better because it’s something that I love to do.”
According to Nick’s mother, Frances, his natural poise and determination shine through regardless of any obstacles he faces.
“(Nick) has tremendous vision,” Mrs. Herndon said. “His desire comes from having a strong vision of his ultimate goal. He does nothing without God’s favor, and he understands that fully.”
Nick’s father, Joey, also sees that Nick’s maturity reaches far beyond his years.
“He never gives up,” Mr. Herndon said. “I remember one game his team was down in the final inning. Nick had a chance to set the team up for the win, and that’s exactly what he did. He’s able to stay cool and get the job done. His calm demeanor helps him to be successful in high-pressure situations, and that attitude rubs off on his teammates.”
Nick’s athletic talents are just the tip of the iceberg. He is also a stellar student and a standout member of TCMS’s MERIT Program (which stands for Maximizing Education to Realize Intellectual Transformation). The program, which focuses on the development and enrichment of gifted and high-achieving students in grades 5-12, is a perfect fit for Nick.
“MERIT challenges me to get better at my schoolwork,” he said. “I enjoy being able to dig deep when I’m doing projects and research papers. Plus, I’m a very ‘hands-on’ learner and the program lets us use the science lab a lot. Overall, the program just keeps me really focused.”
While he thoroughly enjoys the academic advantages of TCMS, his love for the school is widespread.
“I’ve always loved the (TMCS) Yellow Jackets even before I started going there,” Nick said. “Education is a big deal to me, but a big reason that I wanted to be a Yellow Jacket was because of their baseball program as well. I play with some really great guys that are my friends, both at school and with the Batmen.”
When he isn’t handling his business on the field or in the classroom, Nick still has plenty of ways to keep himself busy. A lover of Christian music, he has been playing the drums since the age of four, and looks forward to joining the praise team at First Baptist Church.
Aside from his love of music, he also spends time building and crafting with his father. The two have constructed a boat together as well as many other projects.
“(Nick) doesn’t waste his day cooped up inside with video games,” Mr. Herndon said. “He’s a very active kid, and he’s got a ton of common sense. There’s a lot to be said about that.”
It seems like no matter where he goes, young Nick Herndon leaves a lasting reminder of his talent and ability. He is the epitome of a utility player, on the baseball field as well as in life.
Getting to know Nick:
Age: 14
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, playing music
Favorite Sports Teams: Florida Gators, Atlanta Braves
Favorite Player: Andrelton Simmons (Shortstop, Atlanta Braves)
Sport That You Don’t Play, But Wish You Could: Cricket
Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Tim Tebow
Favorite Subject(s): Math, science
Thomas County’s Herndon Gets the Job Done
By James Washington
South Georgia, September 2014
