In the last tournament before the Plant City Prowlers made their way to Cooperstown, pitcher Hunter Smith helped the team lock up another first-place win. Smith pitched a complete semifinal game, allowing just one run in a 2-1 win. The inclement weather canceled the championship game, awarding the Prowlers the trophy by default.
How did it feel to go out there and get the win?
It felt good.
Sounds like you guys are leaving for Cooperstown on a good note because of this, right?
Yes.
What are you looking forward to most about the tournament?
Going out there and having fun.
What are you looking forward to most, besides playing baseball?
Trading pins.
(Ed. note: a longstanding Cooperstown tradition is for the young baseball players to bring pins with their team’s logo on them and trade with other players to collect as many as possible.)
What’s been the most fun thing about playing with the Prowlers for the past few years?
Hanging out with my friends.
How long have you been playing baseball?
It’s been eight years.
Have you played any other sports?
Just baseball.
What’s your favorite thing about the game?
Just having fun.
Do you play any other positions?
I play anywhere they put me at, besides catcher.
What’s your favorite position to play?
Second base, or first base.
Who’s your favorite baseball player?
Kevin Kiermaier.
Are you a Rays fan?
Yes.
What would you want to do if you could hang out with Kevin Kiermaier for a day?
Just talk and go fishing.
What’s your favorite fishing spot?
Weeki Wachee. I like saltwater fishing.
What’s the biggest fish you’ve ever caught?
A 13-pound tarpon, in Port Charlotte. It was last summer.
Where have you always wanted to fish?
Louisiana.
Where do you go to school?
Independence Academy.
What’s your favorite subject?
I don’t like any of them.
So, you’re a P.E. guy?
Yes.
What sport have you never tried before, but would if you could?
Football. I’d want to play wide receiver or quarterback.
You get $1 billion in the bank one day. What do you buy?
A boat.
What superpower would you want?
Super speed.
A little kid comes up to you and asks for advice on how to be a good ballplayer. What do you tell him?
Just try. Try, and don’t give up on yourself.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a baseball field?
A sliding, barehanded grab in machine pitch. I just watched the ball and went for it.
What pro stadium do you most want to play in one day?
Probably Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
You guys have been playing really well this year. How do you think the Prowlers can do in Cooperstown if everybody’s doing what they should?
If we play like we’re supposed to, we could seed pretty high. We could finish in the top 20.