Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Ben Papineau

Ben Papineau is a senior on the Sarasota Christian baseball team. Papineau, a pitcher/shortstop, threw a complete game shutout and hit a home run March 22 in the Blazers' 7-0 home win against Lakeside Christian. 

When did you start playing baseball?

I started playing when I was 9 years old. I started in T-ball and moved my way up from there. I played most sports at some point but stuck with baseball and basketball. I'm on the school's basketball team as well. 

What is the appeal to you?

I love the weather and playing with my team. I love the feeling of how the ball comes off the bat on a big hit. It's a great feeling. 

What is your best skill?

I would say my best skill is fielding, like actually catching the ball. Wherever the ball is hit, I can catch it. I have great tracking. 

What is your best pitch?

I don't know if I have one best pitch. I throw a (four-seam) fastball, a two-seam fastball, a curve and a changeup. I don't have an "out pitch" or anything. I just throw whatever is working. 

What have you been working to improve?

A bit of everything. I am always trying to get more swings in and throw more bullpen sessions. I try be as balanced as I can be. 

What is your favorite baseball memory?

When I was 12 years old I made the Sarasota Little League All-Star game and I hit a grand slam. That was a good feeling, to do that in front of all my friends. It was my last game on the small fields before moving up a level, too. 

What is your favorite food?

I love Chipotle. I usually get a burrito with white rice, chicken, fajita veggies, corn and cheese. 

What is your favorite movie?

Honestly, I am not a big movie guy. I saw "The Batman" recently and I didn't think it was good at all. 

What are your hobbies?

I like to play basketball with my friends. I like to go to the beach. I also like to take naps. 

Which super power would you pick?

I would pick super strength. It seems like that would help me on the baseball field. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Put in the work. Always keep working hard. 

Finish this sentence: Ben Papineau is …

… Hard-working.