The Plant City 10-11 Baseball All-Stars might have lost in sectionals, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. Josh Herring, one of the team’s top pitchers, had himself a career game at the plate, smacking three home runs out of the park in one game at Lake Wales Little League.
How did you feel before that game?
I felt pretty good. It was a very tough game, but I felt good before the game. And I felt good about winning the game when I hit all three of them.
What team were you playing?
Lakewood Ranch.
And what were the pitches that you homered on?
The first home run I hit was a curveball, the second home run I hit was another curveball, and the last one was a fastball. It felt pretty good. It was a pretty emotional loss, when we lost it, but it felt pretty good to break the PCLL record for most home runs hit in a game.
How many times have you made an All-Star team?
Five times.
How long have you been playing baseball?
Five years. I’m 12 now.
What first made you want to play baseball?
I just kind of liked the sport. Ever since I was born. My dad played baseball when he was a kid, so I picked up on the game and started loving it.
Who’s your favorite player?
Derek Jeter.
Are the Yankees your favorite team?
Yeah, the Yankees are my favorite team.
What positions do you play?
Shortstop and pitcher.
If you play shortstop because of Jeter, what pitcher do you try to be like?
Clayton Kershaw, because of all the pitches he has and how many batters he strikes out. He’s my favorite pitcher.
What other sports do you play?
Basketball.
What else do you like to do for fun?
Fishing, and just playing around.
What’s your favorite fishing spot?
On my uncle’s lake. It’s on his property.
What’s the biggest fish you’ve ever caught?
A 7-inch bass.
Where do you go to school?
Turkey Creek Middle.
What grade are you in?
I’m going into seventh.
Whats your favorite subject?
Math. I’m just good at it.
What’s your favorite sports movie of all time?
The Benchwarmers.
If you could play any sport you’ve never tried before, what would it be?
Football. I’d either be quarterback or play on the d-line.
If you could meet any famous person, who would it be?
Derek Jeter. I’d want his autograph. I’d also want to go to Yankee Stadium with him.
Let’s say you have a billion dollars in the bank. What’s the first thing you’d buy?
A car or a house. A Lamborghini.
Let’s say you meet a kid like you who’s getting into baseball for the first time at seven years old. What’s the first thing you tell them about how to be a good baseball player?
Hustle no matter what, no matter how bad you’re losing or how bad you’re playing. Just give your best percentage.
Do you have any goals for next season?
One of the things is I’d like to go to the Little League World Series next year.