Meet JJ Richardson.  JJ is in the graduating Class of 2020 at Hilton Head Island High School and will be attending Erskine College to further his baseball and academic career.  With a passion for sports and a love of family, this talented young man knows where his future lies.

 

What inspired you to choose this path?
My mother, father, and brother are the ones who have inspired me to try and chase my dream. Throughout my whole life they are the only people who have made me realize that if I have put all this work and time in then why not try to accomplish my biggest personal goal.

Tell us a little bit about your family
My family is unlike no other… First off my amazing parents. My mother is a very loving, nice, jokingly, ping-pong playing person, she is the coolest mom you could ever have, the bond me and my mother have is amazing and it’s a very close mother-son relationship. My father is pretty much the reason why I fell in love with sports. Since I was able to walk and even before that, my father has been my coach in not only sports but in life. I have been able to learn a ton from him, whether it is in sports, school, decision making, etc. he has been the best father any kid could have. Thirdly, my little brother. My brother is currently a Freshman. This past year has been a big year for me and my brother in our relationship, this is the first year my brother and I have been in the same school together since elementary school. In the past year we have become a lot closer to one another and have been able to help each other in many ways, whether it’s video games, car rides, fishing, or anything. However, the biggest help he has given me was being able to help me with sports. Very rarely will you have a brother who is a catcher in baseball when you are a pitcher, that alone has probably helped me the most with trying to reach my life goal of being a professional baseball player.

What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My personal favorite restaurant is Cranes Tavern, I am a little bias because I work there, however the food there is amazing! Another couple favorite restaurants are Fiesta Fresh, Stu’s, OKKO and Fancy Sushi.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person I have met would have to be one of my best friends Jeff Hays. Jeff is the weirdest, funniest and most outgoing person you will probably ever meet. I met him when I was really young and growing up him and I really loved the game of baseball and have been pushing each other to help accomplish our goals of playing pro baseball.

If you could safely travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would want to visit the Bahamas. I have been to the Bahamas before, but not at an age where I remembered it. I have seen many videos and pictures of the area and it just seems like an amazing place to visit.

What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Baby driver is my favorite movie and my favorite tv show is 90210

What’s the best advice you ever received from a teacher? Who was the teacher?
“PTMFR” -Coach Klock (Mr.Klock)

What is your go-to band/artist when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I don’t have a favorite band or artist but I love country and rap music.

If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Gary Vaynerchuk and I would probably go to Cranes Tavern. For the past 2 years I have watched his youtube videos, instagram videos and podcasts. He is truly the definition of hard-working, what he does is something that no one has ever done. He makes all of his content to help motivate everyone else to push to be the best they can and that if you really work hard enough you can accomplish your goal.

What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing has to be the golf and fishing here. The most unique thing about our community is that in the summer 90% of Hilton Head’s population are people from Ohio.

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope in 5 to 10 years I will be playing baseball in the MLB.

What show are you binge-watching right now?
Jersey Shore

Favorite month? holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
March, Christmas and March 24th

Who inspires you to be better?
My family

If you could go back over your entire school career what is one thing you would do differently?
I would have worked harder on my school work.

Who or what do you miss the most right now?
Being able to be with my friends for the last couple months we all have together.

What’s the first thing you want to do when this quarantine is over?
Hug everyone of my friends