A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Andy Samuelson

A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Andy Samuelson

Andy Samuelson, number 12 for the La Porte High School Baseball Team, is a senior pitcher, and right fielder when he takes on the outfield. The team is experiencing a great season and Samuelson is a major part of that.

He’s about to wrap up his final season as a high school player and move on to college baseball, and he’s come a very long way. He started playing baseball at a young age.

“I’ve been playing my whole life, as long as I can remember. Probably before I can remember, I was playing,” he said laughing.

Back when he was playing tee ball, he remembers that the game was much simpler and he wasn’t yet a pitcher. As soon as little league started, and pitchers were allowed, he immediately became one and hasn’t looked back.

“As soon as we were old enough to bat against a pitcher, I pitched,” he said.

His family has always been vastly supportive, from showing up to every game, to getting him to practice and games when he was young.

“They always wanted me to be my best and play hard. My dad built me a batting cage in my backyard. He always wanted me to be good and be my best,” he said. “I enjoy having my family at games. Usually, there’s more than one family member here and they love to come and watch me play. It’s awesome.”

After high school, he plans to stay in Northwest Indiana and continue his baseball career.

“Valparaiso University was one of the first Division 1 schools to show interest, and I liked them a lot right away, and they’re so close to home. That was a big factor. I don’t want to go far. I like my family, and I like being around here, being in the Region,” he explained.

He’s looking forward to four more years of pitching for Valapariso University and having his family come to the games to watch, just as before, he said. Plus, Valpo means never being homesick!

Samuelson has stuck with baseball for so long, just out of the passion for the game.

”I love playing baseball, it’s my favorite thing to do. Not just pitching, but the game of baseball in general, I love it.”

La Porte High School has provided a great home for him to play. His team works together well and they all work hard. His senior year is shaping up to be successful with the camaraderie on the team.

“Everyone on this team; they’re all my friends. They’re great guys to be around. We have a lot of fun, and I love playing with them,” he said.

When he’s not playing baseball, he is not too far from a ball or other sport, like basketball. He was also on La Porte High School's Basketball team, yet when he is truly off the court or field, he likes spending time with his friends and family or sleeping.

Catch Samuelson in the Valparaiso University lineup next year! We wish him the best of luck on his Valparaiso Baseball career!