In the Thursday, May 28, Plant City Little League 9-10 Minors championship game, Brewington’s Towing starter Blaine Rowland pitched 3 2/3 innings in his team’s 14-4 win. Rowland, who threw a perfect game Monday, March 22, is staying in baseball shape with the Raiders and hopes to make the 9-10 All-Star team while developing his skills on the tennis court.
Tell me about the game. It went four innings, you pitched most of the way, and things worked out. So what was working for you guys out there?
Mainly our pitching. Mainly how the rubber was, and how there was a hole right in front of it. It made it easier to plant.
You got a lot of run support out there, but you had to have pitched well to keep the other team’s score low. What was your best pitch that day?
Probably when I pitched it outside on a right-handed batter. He thought it was gonna go in the other box, but instead it went in the other corner.
How long have you been playing baseball?
About seven years. I’m turning 10.
Do you play any other positions?
I play everywhere.
What’s your favorite, though?
Probably catcher. Usually, you can throw guys out and make better plays.
You also pitched a perfect game earlier this season. I know you didn’t realize until it was over, so how did you feel when your coach told you what you did?
Good.
What were you throwing well that night to get everybody out?
Mainly my fastball. I was mainly cutting the corners.
What’s your favorite thing about playing baseball?
Probably fielding and hitting.
If the perfect game is the coolest thing you ever did on a baseball field, what do you think is the second-coolest thing you’ve ever done?
When I threw two guys out in one game. They stole (bases) too late.
How long have you been playing tennis?
Two years.
What made you want to play?
When I first saw how I was able to hit the ball.
Do you play competitively or just for fun?
I play competitively. I’ve played in two tournaments. I lost.
When you’re not playing baseball or tennis what do you like to do for fun?
I like to run around outside and play baseball.
Is there any sport you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t?
Soccer.
Would you want to be out there scoring goals or setting up the plays?
Scoring the goals.
Where do you go to school?
Robinson Elementary.
What’s your favorite subject?
Math, because I like adding and subtracting and multiplying and division.
Do you have any favorite books?
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”
If you could meet any famous person, who would it be?
Ben Zobrist. I like how he’s a switch hitter and how I can learn how he hits lefty.
If you could play baseball for any pro team, what would it be?
The Tampa Bay Rays.
If you could be either rich or famous what would you pick?
I’d be a billionaire. I’d buy a mansion.
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Super speed. I’d get a rope and tie up the enemy.
Is there anything in baseball or tennis that you really want to accomplish this year?
To throw another perfect game.