Athlete of the Week: Parker Shanahan

Twelve-year-old Parker Shanahan let his bat do the talking this week, going 5-for-7 with a pair of home runs while helping lead Lakewood Ranch Little League’s 10- and 11-year-old All-Star team to a runner-up finish at the Section IV Tournament July 15-16, in Haines City. The first baseman finished the All-Star season with 13 hits, four home runs and 12 RBIs. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What does it mean to you to be an All-Star?
It just means (I’m) a good a player in the league, and it’s an opportunity to play extra baseball.

What is the toughest part about playing in the sectional tournament?
Losing. We were all looking forward to going to states.

How did you get into baseball?
I started playing when I was 4 years old. My dad has always been a Yankees fan, so I would watch the games. It looked interesting.

Would you rather be in the field or at the plate?
At the plate. I like the feeling when the ball comes off of the bat. In the field there’s a lot of waiting.

What’s your fondest baseball moment?
Winning districts last year. We weren’t the best team, and we knew that, but we worked hard as a team to win.

Do you have a favorite professional athlete?
Robinson Cano. He’s a good fielder and just a natural athlete.

If you could go anywhere on summer vacation, where would it be and why?
Greece. I was there once for three weeks, and it was a really fun time.

Do you have any siblings?
I have three brothers: Joey, 23, Steven, 21, and Tyler, 13.

Did you have a favorite cartoon show growing up?
“Spongebob.” Spongebob’s just a jolly person. Everyone loves Spongebob.

What’s your favorite subject?
Math. It just comes simply to me.