Austin shortstop Mikey Humphrey
What do you remember about the first time you played in an organized baseball game?
When I was 7 years old, living in Chicago, I remember looking at the pitcher and realizing this kid is a lot bigger than me. I stopped, took a deep breath, and looked at my mom. She said, “Size doesn’t matter.” So I stepped up to the plate and hit a triple on the first pitch.
What’s the hardest thing in baseball for you to do?
Hitting a curveball off a lefty. I was never any good with pitches that would come into me. I would spend every day in the cages practicing until I mastered that pitch.
What’s your greatest memory from high school baseball?
My greatest memory came during my freshman year. We were tied 3-3 against McCallum in the bottom of the seventh inning with two outs and a runner on third. I was up to bat and on a 2-2 pitch, I smacked a fastball into right-center to win the game.
If you could have dinner with any four people in the history of the world, whom would you invite?
Kevin Hart, Ernie Banks, my uncle Richie and (motor sports competitor and stunt driver) Travis Pastrana.
Why Ernie Banks?
I knew him personally from living in Chicago, and he was my favorite baseball player.
Why your uncle Richie?
My uncle died of cancer, and I never got the chance to see him as much as I would have liked. I would like another chance to catch up on things.
And Travis Pastrana?
I was exactly like him growing up. I loved to do back flips and crazy stunts so I believe I would be able to relate to him.
What are your college plans?
I hope to continue playing baseball in college and to major in sports marketing.
If you had the choice of being valedictorian of your class or all-state in baseball, which would you pick?
I would rather be all-state in baseball because it’s been a dream to me and will help me play in college.
Tell me something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Most people don’t know that I was in gymnastics for five years. I learned how to do some crazy tricks off a diving board.
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
“Ride Along 2” because my favorite comedian Kevin Hart plays in it.
What’s your favorite food?
Pasta fagioli because I am Italian and my grandma has always made it for me. If you could play at any baseball stadium in the country, which one would it be? Wrigley Field because I have been a Cubs fan my entire life and I would always go to Cubs games when I had the chance.