He peers over his glove at the catcher waiting for the signal. After a quick nod, his leg goes up, arm pulls back and the ball speeds past home plate. The umpire shouts “strike” and a sly smile spreads across redshirt senior pitcher Alex Massey’s face.

The Baton Rouge native and Saturday starting ace grew up playing catch in his yard with his dad and the love for the game has only grown stronger over the years.

In his final season for Tulane baseball, Massey has his sights set high for himself and the program as a whole.

“I want to walk away knowing that I gave all I could to Tulane,” Massey said. “When I came in this was a winning program, and when I leave I want to make sure that it stays that way, if not better.”

This season is slightly different for Massey both in regards to assuming a leadership role as well as playing for the first time alongside younger brother Ross, who says his brother “definitely” inspired him to play baseball.

“He would always be outside making me go throw with him [and] teaching me the different pitches, so I credit a lot of my abilities to him,” freshman pitcher Ross Massey said.

The two never played together before due to the age difference, but with Alex’s redshirt year, he finally gets to foster another aspect of their relationship.

“It has been great [playing with Ross],” Alex said. “I think that we have grown a little closer and we just had a great time. It has been really fun.”

Ross has equally enjoyed the experience.

“It is the first time because we never got to play with each other in high school,” Ross said. “It is pretty funny coming to the field and seeing him every day. I am not used to that all, so it is different but we have enjoyed it so far.”

On and off the field, Alex leads the team; however, he is one of the most soft-spoken players for the Green Wave. He exemplifies a leader not having to be the loudest voice in the room but one who teaches others and guides them to success.

“He is definitely a ‘show me’ leader,” junior pitcher Corey Merrill said. “He does not talk very much, but he works his butt off and is just all-around a great guy.”

From teaching the rookies the plays to being unbeatable in “Halo,” Alex has a strong presence for the Wave. His relationship with players and coaches is one of respect and his attitude is what is most admired.

“He does his job every day, and by doing that, other kids pay attention to him,” head coach David Pierce said. “He is not arrogant. He is very diligent. He is just a pleasure to be around. You watch what he does, and it is easy to follow that.”

A strong leader makes everyone on the team feel vital and important, and Alex does just that. Whether it is helping guys on the mound, cracking jokes off the field or just being there for them, it is evident Alex values his team.

“He is a team first guy,” Ross said. “He is always cheering on the team, always working to improve his game, and he is a very humbled pitcher, too.”

Being a humbled pitcher is important and is a key factor in Alex’s game. He doesn’t let the successes get to his head and every time he approaches the mound he does so with a clean slate.

Years of hard work and practice every day may seem like a grind to most but it has only inspired Alex to work harder and continue his passion. He appreciates the knowledge he has gained from sports and the patience and minor details that have come from years of baseball.

Alex hopes to have a professional career but is also focusing on his education in case it doesn’t work out.

With a degree in management with a minor in marketing, Alex has started interviewing at various places prior to his graduation in May. Until the day he walks in his cap and gown, he is focused on walking to the mound with clay-stained pants.

“I am really going to miss [playing for Tulane,] and I am just going to try to make the most of it this year,” Alex said.  “It has been really fun all four or five years, but not including the redshirt. I have enjoyed all of it. This year, I am just hoping to go out with a bang and really help this team win.”