Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Caiden Cabral

Caiden Cabral is a sophomore on the Riverview High baseball team. In games against South Fort Myers High and IMG Academy Royal on April 18-19, Cabral went 4-7 with a double, a triple, a walk and five RBIs. For the season, Cabral is hitting .271 with six extra-base hits and 15 RBIs. 

When did you start playing baseball?

I started when I was 4 years old. By the time I could walk I had a bat in my hand. I was always out at the fields. I'd say I fell in love with it when I was 8, right after I hit my first home run on the little fields. 

What is the appeal to you now?

Baseball is everything to me. I love the game and the atmosphere. Everything I do revolves around baseball, whether I'm working on my own or with my dad (Shawn Cabral) or with my teammates. It's just fun to play. 

What is your best skill?

Hitting. I would say hitting for power, but I try not to think about it like that. When I try to hit for power, it does not go well for me. (Laughs.) I try to stay simple and try to get whatever hits I can. 

What have you been working to improve?

My approach at the plate. Like I said before, I know I can hit the ball far, but when I try to do that, my swing tends to leak (lose power) a little bit. This year I'm just trying to stay up the middle. 

What is your favorite memory?

My last game on the little fields. My dad was coaching third base for my team. Before my last at-bat, he said something like, "Might as well end it with a homer." The first pitch, I hit a home run. I stood at the plate and looked at him for a second. It was a cool moment between us. 

What has been going right for the team? 

Early in the season, we were still all getting to know each other. I think we have grown as a team and we grew together. There's not a lot that is distracting us right now. We're playing well. 

Do you have any personal goals this season?

I try not to set goals for myself. I had a good year last year and because of that, I put a lot of pressure on myself early this year. I think I have grown out of that now. The last couple games have been good. I think I'm getting right at the right time. 

What is your favorite food?

Chicken and rice with a little bit of yum-yum sauce. 

What is your favorite movie?

If I had to pick one, I'd say "Central Intelligence" with Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson. It's just a funny movie. 

What are your hobbies?

It's hard to think of things that don't involve baseball. I like to go to the beach and work out. I'll play some video games as well. MLB: The Show is probably my favorite game right now. 

What is your favorite school subject?

I like my history class a lot. I have a good relationship with my teacher (Sarah Poole) and when you have that, it makes the class a lot better. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Stay humble on the field. If you're not humble, the game will humble you. 

Finish this sentence: "Caiden Cabral is …"

Funny.