No one can argue that Strawberry Crest isn’t enjoying life in a new district, where the Chargers (9-3; 5-0 district) have yet to be beaten. One of the team’s biggest questions, who would replace Mark Moclair, has been answered: senior ace Brandon Harris sports an 0.64 ERA, six wins, no losses and 46 strikeouts. It’s a campaign that has been, in head coach Eric Beattie’s words, crazy.
It looks like you’re having a great year, as is the team. How’s everything going, in your opinion?
It’s going good. On the mound, I’m commanding the strike zone, which is helping me and my defense get quick outs, have quick innings.
You had some big shoes to fill when Mark Moclair left, but it looks like you’ve been up to the task. What have you done differently this season to reach this level?
A lot of dry work, towel drills and just practicing what I do on the mound during my throwing.
What are you hoping to accomplish in your last year in high school?
Hopefully, a district title and maybe even more.
You guys moved to a new district this year, where there’s no more Durant or Plant City, and you’re pretty comfortably at the top of the standings. It looks like you have a good shot at winning districts, but how far do you think this team can go if everything goes according to plan?
If everything goes according to plan, we could probably surpass regionals easily.
How long have you been playing baseball?
I probably started playing baseball when I was a baby, but I started in rec league when I was about 4 years old.
Was pitching always your favorite?
Pitching is what I love.
What’s your approach on the mound: are you a high-volume strikeout guy, a ground ball pitcher, or what?
Between a ground ball pitcher and a strikeout pitcher.
What’s your best pitch?
My slider. It’s hard to hit.
Any college plans?
I signed with UNC-Asheville.
What are you going to major in?
Biology, and I’m probably going to get my minor in business.
Do you have a specific career in mind?
Probably med-tech sales.
What pro team would you want to play for?
The Dodgers. Los Angeles is a nice area. They’re not my favorite team — I’ve just never been to California.
What is your favorite pro team, then?
My favorite team to watch is probably the Toronto Blue Jays. They have a bunch of guys that play hard, and it’s fun to watch.
Who’s your favorite baseball player of all time?
Derek Jeter.
You get $1 billion in the bank. What’s the first thing you buy?
I’d probably buy a beach house and a boat.
You get any superpower. What do you pick?
To be able to fly.
A Little Leaguer comes up to you for advice, and he asks you how to be a good pitcher. What do you tell him?
Learn how to throw strikes. Command the zone. When I was little, I had a screen with a box in it, and I’d try to hit it. I went out in the yard every morning and just threw.
You get to meet any famous person and hang out with them for a day. Who would you pick?
Jonah Hill. I’d probably want to go eat lunch with him. Probably go get some sushi.
Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom or wherever, what’s one thing you want to get better at before the end of the year?
Doing my homework before the last minute.