East County Athlete of the Week: 04.05.17

Najee Rhodes is a senior baseball player at The Out-of-Door Academy. He was named MVP of the Taylor Emmons Memorial Classic tournament after ODA won the championship game 8-4 over Cardinal Mooney on March 30. Rhodes also won the tournament's home run derby with 24. 

How long have you been playing baseball?

I have been playing baseball since I was 6 years old. Football ran in my family, but I said "I want to try something new," and that was baseball.

What is the appeal of baseball to you?

The atmosphere. I love playing with my teammates ... they push me. Basically, everything about baseball makes me love it more.  

Why do you wear No. 34?

I actually do not usually wear 34, I lost my jersey. I usually wear No. 42. I represent Jackie Robinson, to show some respect to him. This whole year, I want to dedicate my senior year to him. 

What is your favorite food?

I will go with barbecue chicken. 

What is your favorite subject in school?

Probably computer science. I like coding. The abstraction in it is like, crazy. I like hacking into stuff, to be honest with you. 

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

My favorite movie is 'Friday Night Lights.' That actually is both a TV show and a movie, but the movie is my favorite. 

What is your dream vacation spot?

Bora Bora. I was watching a TV show on it, and the water is crazy. You can see through the water and there are fish. It just caught my eye. 

What is your favorite baseball memory?

I was in Puerto Rico (at the Mets Island Games), and I won MVP there, too. That just happened in November. When I won this (MVP award), I was like, 'Wow, flashback memories.' It was a big event for me, because all the top prospects were there. 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

My dad (Luke Rhodes) tells me to give 100% on the field, no matter what. 

Finish this sentence: "Najee Rhodes is ... "

... Dedicated. I take this sport seriously. Offseason workouts, I don't slack off. I just love it so much.