When you spend even just a few minutes speaking with Marshall Voorhies, you get an immediate sense of his remarkable resiliency. Although he’s dealt with several severe injuries both on the football and baseball field, Voorhies has persevered and come back from every injury. He could have easily given up on sports, but he came back for the love of the game and because of the relationships he has built on the team.
Before the regular season finale for the Alamo Heights Mules against Medina Valley, Voorhies sat down for his senior spotlight to talk to me about his incredible journey at Alamo Heights, his Super Smash Bros title and his favorite memories as a Mule.
When did you start playing baseball?
I actually started playing baseball after I fractured my back, my L3 vertebrae, in two places, so it was my kinda midway through high school sport. I played until 8th grade at the Little League, I didn’t play freshman or sophomore year, and I started again junior year.
I know you’ve had several injuries while you’ve been back playing baseball. Can you talk a little about those injuries?
The first one was really unfortunate. During tryouts my junior year I was hit with a baseball between the eyes and actually fractured my skull and my eye socket. I also had some hemorrhaging in my frontal lobe, so that was something to bounce back from. When I came back from that, I had stolen third, and I was sliding in head first and the third baseman came up and caused me to turn on to my side, and my arm ripped on the dirt and my shoulder came out of place. We thought it was just a dislocation, but I actually tore my labrum and my rotator cuff, so I’m getting surgery at the end of the month for that.
What has made you come back after all you’ve been through?
I think it’s the guys on the team. Playing the game with them has been awesome, and it was definitely not something I was going to quit senior year. I think it’s the commitment I’ve made to the team, and what I can contribute in terms of leadership or in the dugout, that’s something I like to do.
I’m sure that’s definitely something people look up to.
My shoulder came out nine times before they diagnosed the tear. One of the times we were scrimmaging and my shoulder came out. I walked over to the side, popped it back in and kept playing, so I think that’s something the guys appreciated.
Why did you want to come back to baseball after your injury in football?
I had a few good friends who played baseball and were telling me about this new coach, who was Coach Thompson, and his different coaching style, plus it was a sport I had enjoyed in the past.
What has been your favorite memory with Alamo Heights baseball?
I’d say a number of memories from our Mission trip, which is down on the U.S. and Mexico border. We played some teams that have a different background than us, and it was really fun to see the interactions between us and them. Of course the hotel rooms are fun, and it’s a great bonding time with the team. Every year we do a “Super Smash Bros” tournament after the Friday game, so that’s always fun to fill out the bracket.
Who won the bracket?
I actually won this year, so that was very fun. Last year I believe Nathaniel Prete and James Tyng won.
Y’all need to schedule an all-time champion tournament.
Yes, definitely.
What is your next step after high school?
I’m going to the University of Montana. Up there I’ll be pursuing my MBA and completing law school, then I’ll hopefully practice here in San Antonio.
Why did you choose Montana?
I’m a big outdoorsman, so hunting, flyfishing, and I was just looking for some place with actual seasons and a little less heat. I got into the Honors College there, so I’m excited and I’ve got all my ducks in order.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I’m not a superstitious guy, but I do enjoy doing breathing exercises, kind of centering myself and getting ready.
When you’re pitching do you do anything differently to prepare mentally?
I don’t think so because I think a huge part of performing at this level is consistency, so I get ready the same way.
What’s your go-to song before a game?
Anything by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. They’ve got all the good stuff. They can get you pumped up if you need it but also chill you out sometimes.
Who is your favorite sports team?
I enjoy watching Stanford football. It’s impressive to me that they can find a group of guys who are both extremely good athletes and smart guys, and it’s cool to watch them play. We visited four or five years ago, and I really liked the campus and the whole atmosphere.
If you could have the skills of any professional athlete, who would it be?
If you count Cross-fit as a sport, I’d say Rich Froning, but if we’re going traditional sports, I think Christian McCaffrey is a crazy athletic guy, and that’d be fun to share some of his skills. The reason he’s doing so well in the NFL and did in college is because he’s a compact guy, but also insanely quick and strong, which is something you don’t really see in slot receivers.
If you were stranded on an island with one person, who would you choose and why?
I think I’d choose Chris Kyle. I’ve read American Sniper, and I find that whole story super inspiring. I’d love to sit down with him and talk for hours about the stuff he experienced. Plus, he’s got the survival skills and all that if we’re on an island.
If you need a laugh in the dugout or at practice, who do you go to?
Oh Hunter Campbell for sure. Either him or Daniel Haugen. Daniel is very consistent also.
If you had to tell the world one thing about yourself, what would you say?
I’m not defined by my injuries. While it may seem that I’m injured a lot, I think what I’d like to be known for is my resiliency with my injuries and the way I’ve come back from them.