Jake Carbaugh is moving up in the baseball world.
Though Jake Carbaugh’s Plant City Little League All-Stars season is over, he and his coaches are excited for the future. After hitting his first home run in May, Carbaugh, 9, followed up with three more in a Memorial Day weekend machine pitch tournament and continued to hit the ball well through All-Stars play with the 9-10 A Baseball team.
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How long have you been playing baseball?
Since I was 4.
What made you get into it?
My dad just turned it on … the TV. He kept turning it on and I kind of had a feel for it, and I wanted to start playing it.
What’s your favorite thing about the game?
Hanging out with my friends and having fun.
What positions do you play?
I play shortstop, pitcher, third base and a little bit of catcher.
Which is your favorite?
Pitcher.
Why’s that?
I don’t know. It’s just fun.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a baseball field?
When I hit my first home run.
Which position do you not play a lot of now, but would like to?
Center field. I’ve tried it a couple of times but not a lot.
Who’s your favorite ballplayer?
Kris Bryant.
Are you a Cubs fan?
I like the Rays.
If you could play for any MLB team when you get older, what would it be?
The Rays.
What’s the best lesson a coach has given you in baseball?
It’s hard to just pick out one … hitting the ball. Don’t bail out. Step in.
Do you play any other sports?
I play basketball and soccer sometimes.
Is there a sport you’ve never tried before, but would like to?
Hockey. I like to punch people.
If you could give a new teammate some advice, what would you say?
If he has a curveball or something, don’t think about it. Just hit it.
You say you like to cheer your teammates up when they’re feeling down. What’s the best way to do that?
I say, “Don’t worry about it. Get the next one.”
Let’s say you make it to the Rays one day and get $1 billion. What’s the first thing you buy?
A car. I want a Lambo.
What superpower would you like to have?
Super strength.
What’s your favorite baseball movie?
Rookie of the Year.
What do you want to get better at on the field?
Pitching. I want to work on throwing harder and locating. Breaking balls and stuff.
What are you best at?
Hitting, probably.
