Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Rocco DePastino

Rocco DePastino is a senior catcher on the Sarasota High baseball team. DePastino had the game-winning RBI in the Sailors' 1-0 win over Port Charlotte High on April 24. DePastino is hitting .333 in 2023 and leads the Sailors with 16 RBIs. 

When did you start playing baseball?

I was young. My dad (Joe DePastino) was drafted out of (Riverview) high school and was around the major leagues for about 30 years. I came to love baseball from him. It's awesome. 

What is the appeal to you?

When you're down one run and you're up and you get that winning hit. Boom! Everyone goes crazy and loves you. I love that stuff. 

What is your best skill?

Catching, for sure. My hitting has gotten better this year, but it's still my defense. It's all about working every day, putting in the hours to know what you have to do. 

What have you been working to improve? 

My hitting. I have been working with Coach Strong (Dwayne Strong, hitting coach) and that has helped a lot. It's been better. 

What is your favorite memory?

This year we were playing Riverview High (on Feb. 24). It was tied and I had the bases loaded. Boom, hit a double against the wall to score two runs. Everyone went crazy and we went on to win the game. 

What does the team need to do to keep winning?

We need to keep hitting. We had a good stretch in the middle of the season and then started to go down a bit. It's all about practice. We need to work harder and focus on the little things. 

What is your favorite food?

Pepperoni pizza, for sure. 

What is your favorite TV show?

I'll say "Breaking Bad." I love that show. 

What is your favorite school subject?

Physical education. (Laughs.) 

What are your hobbies?

I just hang out with friends, mostly, like (Sarasota seniors) Tanner Crump and Luke Jackson. That's about it. I go to the beach sometimes. Besides that, it's baseball and school. 

What is the best advice you have received?

My dad told me that if I wasn't doing good with hitting, I had to make sure I was doing good catching. I had to give 110% no matter what. Go out there and ball. That's what I have been doing this year. 

Finish this sentence: "Rocco DePastino is … "

Funny. I think a lot of my teammates find me funny.