Athlete of the Week: Pablo Garabitos

Eleven-year-old Pablo Garabitos launched three home runs in two games this past week, including two in one inning, to help power Main Street Trattoria in the Majors division of the Manatee County Cup. It was the first time the Braden River Middle School sixth-grader, who also plays travel ball for the Braden River Havoc, hit two home runs in a single Little League game. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What was your reaction when you hit two home runs in one inning?
I was excited because I just didn’t really think I was going to do that. I just tried my best, did the swing I’ve been practicing, and I did it.

How long have you been playing baseball?
My whole life. My dad was a baseball player.

What is your favorite position?
Pitcher. It is just more action.

What do you enjoy the most about baseball?
Playing with the team all together and making sure we don’t have attitude. I also like hitting the ball. It’s just fun.

Do you have a favorite baseball player?
Emileo Bonifacio. I like how he plays and how fast he runs.

If you could play another sport for a day, what would it be?
Basketball. That’s the second sport I know the most, and I’m better at it than any other sport except baseball.

If you could go anywhere on summer vacation, where would it be?
Aquatica. There’s lots of water, and it’s pretty warm. There are lots of fun things there.

Do you have any siblings?
I have two brothers, Damien, 13, and Jonathan, 12, and two sisters, Lenee, 17, and Julissa, 5.

What’s your favorite food?
Cheese pizza.

Do you have a favorite movie?
“The Perfect Game.” It’s about these kids who live in Mexico and don’t know how to play in the beginning, but then they travel to Texas and start winning.

Do you have a favorite subject?
World history. You get to learn about animals, the world and Asian stuff. The class is fun.