Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Braedon Mackay

The Sarasota High baseball team (14-3-1) is once again one of the top teams in the area following a 9-17 finish last season.

Sophomore Braedon Mackay has played a big part in that turnaround. 

Mackay, a 6-foot-4, 180-pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman, is batting .339 with 13 runs, a team-high 22 RBIs, eight extra-base hits and three stolen bases in 18 games.

He’s been effective on the mound, too, with a 2-2 record, a 1.84 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched. 

Mackay was also named the MVP of the Prospect Wire Spring Break Classic, a tournament the Sailors won this past week.

When and why did you start playing baseball?

I was 3, and I’ve loved it ever since I started playing.

What’s been the most memorable part of this season?

That’s tough. We’ve had a lot of good parts. Probably beating Riverview though. That felt good after they beat us. We didn’t really hit very good the first time, and we put up like five runs in the second inning the second time. It was a good bounce-back game.

How has Sarasota bounced back from last year?

Our pitching staff has always been good, but this year we’ve definitely hit a lot better than last year.

What’s your favorite all-time baseball memory?

Probably going to a Red Sox game with my dad. I’ve always wanted to go there, and the Red Sox are my favorite team, especially with my dad. He’s always loved the Red Sox. It was pretty cool.

What’s gone right for you personally this year?

I’ve been more focused. Last year wasn’t very good. We all weren’t playing very together, so we came together to be better as a team. Last year was tough, especially with the legacy here. I’m hitting a lot better than last year, and I’ve definitely stepped up in pitching. 

What’s your favorite meal?

Anything with chicken. I love chicken. I’ll eat it anywhere.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

I really love watching Star Wars. The third one is probably my favorite. There’s a lot of emotions in it and the story is really good.

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

I don’t really listen to music before a game. I like to have a calm mind. That’s helped me out a lot.

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

I’m either playing video games, working out or doing something with my little brother. I play a lot of MLB The Show, Call of Duty and Fortnite.

What does your ideal weekend look like?

Probably a baseball tournament, honestly. I just love playing the game and spending time with my friends.

What are your dreams when it comes to baseball?

I want to make it to the Hall of Fame.

What’s been your most humbling moment in baseball?

When I was younger I wasn’t the best. I was undersized and I wasn’t really confident when it came to baseball. Then I grew a lot, which helped. I used to be the smallest kid on my team, then during quarantine I grew like eight inches.

Who’s your favorite baseball player and why?

I love Mookie Betts. He plays the game really hard.

Finish this sentence. Braedon Mackay is…

Awesome.