‘All of a sudden it comes to a halt’
BY ERIC SONDHEIMER
>>> Interviews with senior athletes whose athletic careers were cut short by the coronavirus outbreak.
Sport: Baseball, pitcher
Key stats: Was off to 4-0 start with no runs given up in 25 innings.
Summer plans: Hopes to play for the Portland Pickles in college baseball summer league.
Fall plans: Will attend UCLA.
On his last start before season cancellation, a one-hitter on March 9: “It was very unexpected. After walking back to the bus, I was just happy about getting the team a win. I never knew that was going to be the last time stepping on a high school mound.”
On his high expectations for this season: “We were playing real well. We really wanted to make a run for the Sunset League title and CIF. We were all bummed.”
What’s changed without sports: “I’m so blessed for what I had being on the field with my teammates. Without that, life is just different. Every spring I’ve been
playing baseball. I don’t know what to do with myself . ... ”
What he’s discovered with the new free time: “My family does have a Ping-Pong table and I’ve been getting good at that. My dad plays the ukulele and I’ve been strumming it a little bit. I’m not great, but I’m trying.”
How he’s staying in shape: “I’m thankful to have one of my buddies and we’re throwing long toss. My trainer has been posting videos of himself with workouts. I’ve been doing that.”
What he misses most: “Competing with my best friends. We were doing it for four years. We were grinding and all of a sudden it comes to a halt.”
Where he sees himself in 10 years: “I see myself having a good career at UCLA, getting a degree and playing pro ball.”