Sports Spotlight: West Orange Times & Observer - Kenny Eccleston

As someone who dreams of playing for the New York Yankees one day, SunRidge Middle eighth-grader Kenny Eccleston is getting in all the experience he can. Kenny has played centerfield, outfield and pitches for Team Orlando Baseball’s 14U Power travel ball team while balancing weekday practices and weekend tournaments with schoolwork.

What made you stick with baseball over the years?

I started playing when I lived up north when I was about 6. My dad gave me a choice of sports to pick from, and I picked baseball. 

How is your travel team?

It’s been good. We all get along very well, and it’s good for us, because we get to play with high-school coaches. We get a feel for what the high-school (level) would be like for us.

Where do you hope baseball takes you?

I just want to make it as far as the game will let me go.

Who’s your team?

The Yankees and also the Cubs. I like Javier Baez, because he’s Puerto Rican like me, and he just has the game down. He’s one of the best at it right now.

How do you balance school, baseball and your social life?

I just do everything before baseball time comes. When it’s time for baseball, I’ll do baseball, and then I’ll come back to everything else. I just limit my time and maintain balance overall.

Anyone you look up to in the world of sports?

Mainly Derek Jeter, because he’s a Yankee, he was the team captain, and he just led the team to everything.

If your dream meal was in front of you, what would it be?

Probably a big box of pepperoni pizza.

Disney or Nickelodeon?

Nickelodeon, because of SpongeBob.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

My dad gives me a lot of advice: Let the game come to you. Don’t let it overcome you, don’t try to do too much, just do you.

What’s a place to which you’d like to travel?

Cambodia. My mom’s Cambodian and she was born in Thailand. I want to go visit her past and see what it’s like.