I Hate My Trainer won the Plant City Little League Majors championship, 8-0, over Bad News Bears. Jamie “J.B.” Brown started the game at catcher, later saw some action pitching the last three innings and drove in two of those eight runs to help his team get the win and the season sweep.
Brown wins a $25 gift card from GNC at Walden Woods. He can pick up the gift card at the Plant City Times & Observer office, 1507 S. Alexander St. #103.
You guys swept the Bears this season. Sometimes the underdog wins on the biggest stage, but you guys didn’t let that happen. What did you all do to make sure you’d get a win?
Practiced.
What were you working on the most in practice?
Fielding and hitting.
Had you ever played at Plant City Stadium before Tuesday?
Yes.
What’s it like, playing on the same field where big leaguers used to play?
It felt awesome.
What was your favorite thing about the game?
I got to pitch, and I got to catch.
What was your goal during the game?
To hit line drives and score people — my friends. I scored two runs.
And I see that, next week, you’ll be in New York with the Plant City Prowlers. How long have you been with that team?
A month.
Have you ever been out of Florida?
No.
What are you looking forward to?
To see what’s going to happen up there.
How long have you been playing baseball?
Twelve years.
You’ve played for coach Jeff Conyers for a really long time. What’s the best thing about playing for him?
That he never loses. He’s unstoppable.
What’s your favorite thing about playing baseball?
It’s a fun sport, and all my friends are on my team.
Who’s your favorite ballplayer?
Kevin Kiermaier, from the Rays.
Where do you go to school?
Bryan Elementary.
What’s your favorite subject?
Math.
If you could hang out with Kevin Kiermaier for a day, what would you want to do?
He could teach me how to play in the outfield.
What’s your favorite position to play?
Catcher, because I like throwing kids out when they steal.
If you could get better at anything, what would it be?
Hitting.
What are you best at, though?
First base.
You get $1 billion in the bank, going pro. What do you buy?
Grandma a new house.
A little kid comes up to you, and he’s just getting started in Plant City Little League. He asks you how to be a good ballplayer. What do you tell him?
Practice makes perfect.
You get any superpower you want. What do you pick?
Super strength. I’d hit the ball harder.
If you could play any sport you’ve never tried before, but are interested in, what would it be?
Golf. I’d like to hit the ball far.