McDarby, 30, represents Plant City in Special Olympics softball.
The Special Olympics fall season is under way, and Plant City’s teams are working hard every Sunday to prepare for county competitions. On the softball field, coach Lisa Goad said Chris McDarby, a seven-sport Special Olympics veteran, could make an impact this year.
How long have you been playing softball?
This is my third season.
What first made you want to start, three years ago?
It was a new sport, and I wanted to try a new sport.
What was it about softball that made you stick with it?
I’ve played baseball since I was a little boy.
What other sports do you play?
Track and field, soccer, swimming, basketball, tennis and golf.
What’s your favorite thing about playing softball with these guys and girls?
I like everything, pretty much.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done during a game?
Catching.
Did you make a big play?
Yes. Last season, I caught an infield fly.
What sport have you not tried, but want to?
I’ve never done bocce before.
Of all the sports you have played, which is your favorite?
Basketball.
What do you like most about basketball?
Shooting.
Who’s your favorite athlete?
In baseball, I like Kevin Kiermaier and Evan Longoria.
Are you a big Rays fan?
Yes. And a big Tampa Bay Lightning fan too. I like Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson.
Besides sports, what do you do for fun?
I am an artist too.
How long have you been doing that for? What do you work with?
I do watercolors and charcoal. I’ve been doing it for about six years.
What do you like to paint?
I do landscapes, cats, the Tampa skyline.
I see you won some honorable mentions in a big art contest in Tampa a few years ago. What did you paint?
Steven Stamkos and downtown Tampa.
What else do you do?
I work for Publix. I’m a bagger.
