Q&A with Braden Moomaw, VHS senior centerfielder
Q: How old were you when you started playing baseball?
A: I have been playing baseball ever since I was a kid. I played T-ball and have played ever since then.
Q: Was there anyone special in your life that helped you become a great player, and how?
A: Yes, my brother was always helping me out when it came to baseball, and my dad coached me all throughout little league. They both wanted me to be the best athlete I could be, from batting practice all the way to just playing catch.
Q: How do you get ready for a game?
A: The way I like to get ready for a game is listening to music; it has always gotten me pumped up. And before the game I get some swings in the cage.
Q: What do you like to do when you are not involved with baseball ?
A: When I’m not playing or practicing, I’m hanging out with my friends, playing Madden or 2K, just having fun and relaxing.
Q: What factors do you feel have influenced you the most to become the player and person you are today?
A: Definitely my coaches have always pushed me to be the best I can be on and off the field.
Q: Did you have any routines or superstitions before or in a game?
A: I didn’t really have any routines except before every game I would get some swings in the cage.
Q: What is your favorite baseball memory?
A: My favorite memory is going to the playoffs a few years back, but this year has got to be proving people wrong the games we played. People thought we were gonna get blown out, but we always battled and have always had a chance at winning.
Q: What baseball player has influenced you most in the game? Why?
A: Derek Jeter. He just always played with everything he had and always left it on the field.
Q: What is the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome in your playing career?
A: Definitely my anger because if I had a bad at-bat, I would always let it get to me, and it would cause me to play bad the rest of the game. Now that I have overcome it, I was doing a lot better in the field even if I wasn’t hitting good.
Q: What is life after being a baseball player for you?
A: More sports. After baseball is over I go straight into track. I’m always busy with sports and have a love for everything. I play football, basketball, baseball, track and cheer. I’m always busy trying to get better.
Q: What are your thoughts on your season and career coming to an abrupt end?
A: I hate it. I never wanted it to end, but I knew it would. I wish it would not have ended like this, not knowing if we made it to the playoffs, not knowing if we would have had a winning season. It just leaves you thinking what could have happened – but now that it’s over, I’ll never know.
