East County Athlete of the Week: Mario Martinez Reyes

Mario Martinez Reyes is a baseball player with Lakewood Ranch Little League. Martinez Reyes hit .571 with a home run and six RBIs over three games in the league's 11U All-Star team's district tournament, held June 17-18.

When did you start playing baseball?

I started when I was 5. I think I was just looking for a sport to play, so I tried it and I loved it. I play soccer and basketball as well. 

What is the appeal to you?

I like being part of a team and I like that you can play a lot of positions. I usually play third base, catcher or pitcher, and they all feel different. Plus, you get to hit. 

What is your best skill?

I'm a good hitter. I try to hit for contact more than I try to hit home runs. I like line drives. 

What is your favorite memory?

In 2022 I was playing for a club team called Pinnacle, and we won our league championship. We didn't expect to make it to the championship game, which made it even better when it happened. 

What is so fun about All-Star baseball?

There's more competition, which makes it more fun. And it is cool that we can go to the state level or the regional level if we keep winning. I think we can go far if we keep hitting and fielding well. 

Which professional players do you like to watch?

I like Mike Trout. He's a great hitter and he always gives full effort when fielding. 

What is your favorite food?

I like sushi a lot. 

What are your hobbies?

I like to play video games. I have been playing MLB: The Show 23 and Gran Turismo 7. 

Which superpower would you pick?

Invincibility. No one could hurt me. 

What is your favorite school subject?

Either science or history. I can remember stuff from those classes easily. They're interesting. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Don't always try to swing for the fences. Hitting a line-drive is OK. 

Finish this sentence: "Mario Martinez Reyes is … "

Competitive. I always play to win.