ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Pedro Santana

The East County Observer and Bogey’s Restaurant and Sports Pub have teamed up to showcase the East County’s top athletes. Each recipient’s article will be featured on the restaurant’s wall.

Braden River High School junior third baseman Pedro Santana went 6-for-13 at the plate through four games with two doubles, a triple and four RBIs, leading the Pirates into the championship game of the Comcast Invitational June 3-6.

Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

How did you get into baseball?
I started playing when I was 4 years old. My dad’s friend at work’s son, Stacey, asked me if I wanted to play T-ball with him, and I just started playing with him.

Would you rather be in the field or at the plate?
At the plate. I’ve just always been a person that likes to hit.

What do you enjoy the most about baseball?
I just like getting to hang out with all of the guys. It’s fun hanging out with them and not having to do school work.

What are your plans for summer vacation?
I’m going to mainly be playing baseball, attending a couple camps and working.

What’s your favorite TV show?
“SportsCenter.”

Do you have any siblings?
Yes. I have two brothers and three sisters. I live with my 7-year-old sister, Anissa, and my 4-year-old brother, Luis.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Puerto Rico. All of my family is there, so it’s nice to see them every once in a while.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
If baseball doesn’t happen, then I want to do something dealing with sports like sports medicine.

Do you have any rituals that you do before games?
Every time I go to the plate, I always make a cross on the plate, but I’m not really into all that superstitious stuff.