Q: How have baseball practice and games been going this year?
A: We started captains’ practice in February, which went pretty well. However, now that the weather is warmer and there’s no snow on the ground, we have been able to practice on the real field and we have seen much faster improvement. Games have gone okay; we lost our first game 10-4 and won our second game 12-4.

Q: Do you play baseball for a club team and do you play any sports during the off-season?
A: Up until this past summer, I played baseball in the summer for American Legion and sometimes a casual fall ball team as well. I also play football in the summer and fall, which can interfere with baseball.

Q: How often are baseball practices, games, and workouts, and what do you do during each event?
A: Practices are every weekday that we don’t have a game and some Saturday mornings. We don’t have conventional team workouts in the weight room, but I try to lift on the weekends and off days. Practice is usually a casual team scrimmage or more specific position work, such as ground balls. As a pitcher, I also throw bullpens at practice every few days.

Q: What position do you play and what have you played previously? Do you think it is a hard position?
A: Previously, I played a lot of third base; this year, I’ve spent more time at first base. I basically only played third base for my entire career, so the switch to first base was pretty hard for me. It is a lot of fun, but I still prefer third base.

Q: Is there a favorite team and player you follow?
A: I don’t really follow MLB, but I’d say my favorite teams are the Pittsburgh Pirates because my dad is from there and obviously, the Twins.

Q: Do you watch a lot of baseball, with family or for fun?
A: My dad enjoys watching baseball, so sometimes I’ll watch part of a game with him, but I don’t watch it by myself.

Q: Is there a specific game you remember that was really tough, either one you won or played well at?
A: Before yesterday, we hadn’t beaten Minnehaha Academy since my eighth-grade year. However, yesterday we beat them 12-4, which felt great. I played well with two hits.

Q: Did you have any mentors or captains you want to shout out and their work ethic that you followed?
A: Each year, the captains are pretty great. The old coaching staff from ninth to 11th grade kind of hated me, so I probably would have quit by now if it weren’t for my teammates and captains. However, our new head coach, Tal Gravelle, is a huge improvement and has been great for the team so far.

Q: Who or what got you into baseball?
A: I have been playing all forms of baseball, from wiffle ball to T-ball to coach pitch, since I can remember. My dad got me to start.

Q: What is your pregame routine, warmup, practice, etc.?
A: We get to the field roughly an hour before the game starts. We stretch, run and play catch to warm up. If I am pitching, I will have a brief check-in with the catcher and coach before the game. Otherwise, I warm up by taking ground balls with the infield.