East County Athlete of the Week: 03.08.17

Gavin Root is a senior infielder on the Braden River baseball team. He hit .302 last season and is on pace to smash that average in his final season, leading the team with both a .357 average and 10 RBI as of March 6. 

When did you start playing baseball?

About six years ago. I started out playing football and got kind of tired of it. I wanted to try something different, and all my friends started playing baseball. I skipped tee ball and went to the pitching machine.

What about baseball appeals to you?

I just like playing it and being out here with the team, honestly. 

What is your best skill on the field?

As of right now, probably hitting. I'm a contact hitter. I spray the ball around and move runners. 

What is your favorite baseball memory?

Probably when we swept Lakewood (Ranch) last year. That's our biggest rival, and all the kids I grew up playing with go to that school. All of them were talking about beating us, and then we beat them three times in a row. 

Why do you wear No. 6?

Coming in freshman year, they didn't have the number that I always wore (which was No. 23). So I was like, 'Alright, I'll just go to my second favorite,' which was No. 6, and they had it. 

What is your favorite subject in school?

I like science. I just like doing labs and learning about chemicals. I really like chemistry and physics and all that. 

What is your favorite food?

Chicken. I like chicken. Lemon pepper chicken breasts, for sure. 

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

I don't really watch TV, to be honest. I don't really have time. My favorite movie is The Sandlot. It's a classic. 

What hobbies do you have outside of baseball?

Hanging out with friends, mostly, and going places like Top Golf. It's a cool place. 

What is a random fact about you?

I like cars. Sports cars, like Mustangs. Older cars. My dad (Scott Root) used to race cars. He used to have an 1988 Mustang he would take to the drag strip ever since I was a little kid. 

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

Go with your gut. A bunch of people have told me that, my parents and some teachers. Just go with what you think is best, don't be a follower. You don't want to follow people into bad stuff. I'd rather be a leader and have people follow you into good stuff. 

Finish this sentence: "Gavin Root is..."

... A good leader. I've matured since my freshman year, from me being a bad example to me now being one of the leaders on the team. I got in trouble a lot, and I almost got kicked off the team. Now, I'm respected on the team with how much I've matured.