ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jack McGovern (VIDEO)

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.

Twelve-year-old Jack McGovern pitched a perfect game April 4, propelling the Manatee East Rayhawks to a 12-0 victory. The seventh-grader followed up his perfect game with a two-run walk off home run April 7. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week. Scroll down for video.

What was your reaction when you completed your first perfect game?
I was amazed. My defense did really well, and we got through the game really fast.

Did you think your home run was going over the fence when it left the bat?
I thought it was going to hit the fence. I didn’t think it was going to go over.

Which are you more proud of: your perfect game or your walk off home run?
I’m more proud of the home run because that secured the win. The perfect game we had in the bag by a long shot.

How did you get into baseball?
I’ve been playing since I was 4. I think it was because my favorite player was Derek Jeter, and I always used to watch him play because we used to live by Yankee Stadium.

Would you rather be in the field or at the plate?
In the field. Defense wins championships.

Do you have any siblings?
I have a sister, Lauren, who is 16 years old.

Have you ever broken any bones?
I broke my elbow taking batting practice. So now, whenever I hit, I wear an elbow pad.

What was your favorite cartoon show growing up?
“Spongebob.” I just grew up watching it. He’s hilarious.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
If not an MLB player, then probably a doctor or an anesthesiologist.