Plant City Little League’s 9-10 Baseball All-Stars recently won the state championship and this week played in the Tournament of State Champions in Greenville, South Carolina from Monday through Wednesday. Although the entire team has been playing well, catcher Alex Machado got this week’s nomination.
How does it feel to be on the best Little League team in Florida?
Pretty good.
When in the championship game did you know that your team was going to win?
We had a pitcher that was pretty good, and I knew I had to do my best to block everything I could. Adan (Longoria) just pitched a phenomenal game and we won.
You’ve got some tough competition in South Carolina this week. What are you looking forward to about this tournament?
We’re doing pretty good right now. We’ve got one win and one loss. We’re hoping we can win this one. I know we’re gonna play great ball.
How long have you been playing baseball?
Since I was 4.
What’s your favorite thing about playing baseball?
Just to hang out and have fun with the team.
Do you play any positions besides catcher?
I play shortstop sometimes.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done in a baseball game?
Everything to catch. I love to catch.
Do you play any other sports?
Baseball and basketball.
Where do you go to school?
I’m going into Tomlin Middle.
What’s your favorite subject?
My favorite is reading and writing.
Do you have any favorite books?
The book “42” by Jackie Robinson.
What’s your favorite sports movie of all time?
“The Benchwarmers.”
Who’s your favorite athlete of all time?
Manny Machado.
If you could play baseball for any pro team, what would it be?
The Baltimore Orioles.
If you could hang out with Manny Machado for a day, what would you want to do?
I would want to work infield with him.
If you could try any sport you’ve never played, before, what would it be?
Football. I would want to play running back.
If you had a billion dollars, what would you buy?
I would buy my girlfriend a present. Maybe I would take her out to the store and let her pick.
If you could meet any famous person, whether it’s a baseball player or not, who would it be?
Derek Jeter.
Let’s say there’s a 4-year-old kid who’s getting into baseball for the first time, just like you when you first started, and he asks you for advice. What would you tell him?
Always listen to your coach, and you always want to pay attention to what to do and take their advice. You learn it, you do it, and it’s there forever.
Do you have any goals for the rest of this year, whether it’s in baseball or not?
I want to get better at pitching.