Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Wyatt Hossenlopp

The Cardinal Mooney baseball team is off to one of the best starts in the Sarasota area and Wyatt Hossenlopp has played a big part in that success.

The junior infielder/pitcher leads the Cougars in walks (9), runs (13), RBIs (14), doubles (3) and stolen bases (7) while batting .400 across 51 plate appearances. 

Hossenlopp has also pitched 5⅔ innings, allowing one run on five hits and one walk with six strikeouts.

When and why did you start playing baseball?

I started playing baseball around 4 years old. I tried many sports, but I found baseball the most interesting. It was the first ball I ever picked up as a kid, so that’s when I truly got into baseball.

What has been the most memorable moment about this season?

Last week we had three district games, but we lost the first one. The second one was a comeback win against ODA, and then we beat Imagine. We were down and there was some talk going on, so we had to fight through it.

What’s your favorite all-time baseball memory?

My favorite baseball memory happened this past summer. I hit my first home run on the big field with my wood bat team. It was my first game with my new summer team and I hit one out.

What’s sparked Cardinal Mooney’s hot start this season?

Our team chemistry and being able to fight for each other. If the top of the lineup isn’t hitting, the bottom of the lineup has our backs and vice versa. And as a pitcher, we know the defense has our back and can make the plays.

What’s gone right for you personally this year?

I’ve been seeing the fastball and sitting on all the other pitches. My mindset right now is, ‘See fastball, hit fastball, and let the other pitches go.’ I know that I’m better than any pitcher that’s out there and I know I can get a hit, so I look for that when I’m up there (at the plate).

What is your favorite meal?

My mom makes this good Buffalo chicken pasta whenever there's a big occasion, like if it’s my birthday or if I do something good. That’s definitely my favorite meal.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

I actually have two that I’ve gotten into. One is Criminal Minds and the other one is House MD. 

Do you have a go-to warm-up song?

My walk-up song is AOK by Tai Verdes. I do like listening to that song, but before a game, that’s tough. I listen to rap, but it’s more like the 2010s type of songs. Those get me locked in before a game. I have a playlist I go to.

If you’re not playing baseball, what are you doing?

If I’m not playing baseball I’m probably playing golf. I do play football, too, so I get some football work in. I also work out and like to hang out with friends. 

What does your ideal weekend look like?

Baseball practice on Saturday morning and if I have the chance I would like to play golf. Saturday night and Sunday I’d hang out with friends.

What’s been your most humbling moment in baseball?

We played Calvary Christian my freshman year in the district championship and we were facing 97 mph (pitches). I’ve never seen that before and it just went by me. That was probably my most humbling moment because I was nowhere near the ball. I was like, ‘This is what 95 truly feels like.’

Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

Evan Longoria. I like the Rays and the way he played third base. It really intrigued me and I wanted to get better defensively. 

Finish this sentence. Wyatt Hossenlopp is…

A competitor at any sport he plays.