Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Eddie Zaun

Eddie Zaun is a freshman middle infielder/pitcher on the Cardinal Mooney High baseball team. Zaun was named to the 14U team at the Perfect Game Select Festival, held Sept. 4-5 in Fort Myers. The top 44 14U players in the country, per Perfect Game's rankings, were invited to play in the game. 

When did you start playing baseball?

My dad (Ed Zaun) got me into it when I was 3 years old. He coached my Little League teams for a while. I just fell in love with it right away. 

What is the appeal to you?

It's such a great game. I love being out there with the team, being a good teammate. I try to be supportive to everyone. Having everyone cheering for you at the plate or on the mound makes it fun. 

What is your best skill?

I love hitting. That's always been my favorite thing to do, stepping into the box and competing with the pitcher. I try to have fun up there and swing away.

What was your reaction to playing in the Perfect Game festival?

I was excited when I heard I was invited. It's something I have been looking forward to doing since I was young. I watch the games online every year. A lot of guys who play in this festival have been drafted. That's my goal, too, to play in college and then in the pros. When I was selected, I was speechless. 

What is your favorite memory?

I went to Cooperstown, New York, for a tournament in the summer of 2019. I was playing with the Tampa Hurricanes then. (Zaun currently plays for Canes National.) There were more than a hundred teams there, and you stay for a week. It's so much fun. You stay in a dorm with your team and you get team pins to trade with other teams. The interaction with all the other teams made it the best. My team made it to the championship game, which was also cool. 

What is your favorite food?

I love grilled chicken, that's my favorite. 

What is your favorite movie?

I like both 'The Sandlot' and 'The Benchwarmers' a lot. They're good baseball movies. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I would pick being able to read minds. I just want to know what people are thinking in case they think I'm weird or something. 

What is your favorite subject?

I like science classes a lot. I like reading about things I didn't know much about before. The more you read about science the easier it is to understand. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Never give up and don't listen to what anyone says (about you). That way, it's you against yourself. You control your life. 

Finish this sentence: "Eddie Zaun is … "

… Talented.