Whether it’s the baseball diamond, the basketball court or the football field, you can find D.J. Howard having fun and playing well. The Cork Elementary fourth-grader is currently playing baseball in Plant City Little League and enjoying his role as a shortstop. Last season, he made the 9-10 A Baseball All-Stars team.
Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.
You play baseball, football and basketball. Which is your favorite?
I like all three.
What’s your favorite baseball position to play?
Shortstop. You basically are a captain and it’s just fun fielding ground balls.
How do you balance all your sports with school and do well?
Get good grades and work hard.
What’s your favorite subject in school?
P.E. and math.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A person that plays basketball, football or baseball.
Who’s your favorite athlete?
In baseball, Jackie Robinson. In basketball, Russell Westbrook. In football, Cam Newton.
Jackie Robinson was a little bit before your time. How did he become your favorite player?
I heard that he was fast and he was very athletic, and he could hit.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in a game, in any sport?
I hit a game-winning buzzer beater last year. We went in double overtime.
What sport have you never tried before, but would right now if you could?
I guess lacrosse or something.
If you could hang out with a famous person for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
Russell Westbrook. I want to play basketball and hang out.
If you were to get a new teammate, what advice would you give them?
Do your hardest and never give up.
What’s the best advice a coach has given you?
Work hard and play hard and get good grades.
How do you get hyped up before a game?
I listen to music. One of them would be NBA YoungBoy. I like his songs a little bit.