Athlete of the Week: Tommy Hubbard

Eleven-year-old Tommy Hubbard pitched five solid innings of a must-win game, propelling Braden River’s 10- and 11-year-old All-Stars to a 4-3 victory over Lakewood Ranch in Game 3 of the District 26 All-Star Baseball Tournament June 29. The Braden River Middle School sixth-grader also hit a double and scored a run. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What does it mean to you to be an All-Star?
I feel very proud because it’s the best in Braden River Little League.

Of the three positions you play, which is your favorite?
Catcher. You get the ball every single time and you get to throw people out.

What was it like being on the mound knowing it was a must-win game?
In the beginning, I was kind of nervous, but when we got the lead, then I kind of relaxed.

Do you have a favorite baseball player?
Albert Pujols. He’s just a power hitter.

Do you play any other sports?
I play soccer.

What do you enjoy the most about baseball?
Hitting. That’s the part where you can score a lot of runs.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
A baseball player.

If you could go anywhere on summer vacation, where would it be?
St. Louis to see the Cardinals play.

What’s your favorite subject?
Science. You get to experiment a lot.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?
The ability to disappear. Sometimes, I don’t like being certain places.

What was your favorite cartoon show when you were little?
“Bob the Builder.” It had mainly all of the toys.

Do you have any siblings?
I have two sisters: Rachel, 19, and Nicole, 17.

What do you like to do when you aren’t playing sports?
Go outside, ride my bike and hang out with my friends.

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.