Emily Longoria isn’t much of a talker, but she lets her game speak for itself. Longoria, 11, helped lead her 9-10 Plant City All-Star softball team to a district championship by beating North Lakeland 21-8 and then 6-0. She threw complete games for both, striking out 15 in 12 innings pitched.
How long have you been playing softball?
For about seven years
How long have you been pitching?
Just one year
What do you like about pitching?
I just like it. It’s fun.
Do you have a favorite pitch to throw?
My changeup
Why is that?
It gets a lot of people to swing and strike out.
What do you like about this All-Star team?
I like all the girls, because they’re funny.
What are some personal goals you have this summer?
To hit a home run
Have you ever done that?
Not over the fence, but I’ve had an inside-the-park home run before.
What Little League team were you on this season?
Morrison Steel. I also play for the Crusaders travel ball team.
What do you like to do outside of softball?
Just softball. That’s all I do. I like to play catch with my brother, but that’s basically the same thing.
Do you have a favorite TV show?
“Spongebob”
If you could play softball anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Boston. I like the Red Sox.
CLEANING UP: Several Plant City Little League All-Star baseball and softball teams won district championships last week. In addition to 9-10 softball, the 12-year-old Majors earned a district banner, beating Lake Wales 6-0 June 27, at Mike E. Sansone Park. The 10-11 baseball All-Stars beat Auburndale 11-4 that same night to claim a district title. Cole Cothren was the winning pitcher, and Josh Dunbar and Jose Machado Jr. each hit home runs. The 11-12 baseball All-Stars won the district after beating Auburndale 17-2 Sunday. The 11-12s hit eight home runs in their two tournament games, including ones by Ben Pues, Parker Messick, Andrew Long, Hunter Emerine (2), Dylan Robinson, Bryar Christian and Tommy Johnson.
