Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Khadin Bastian

Incoming Windermere Prep freshman Khadin Bastian, a middle infielder for the Elite City Grays’s 14U team, inherited the love of the game from his father and works hard to play his best games. Khadin’s dream is to one day play ball for the Toronto Blue Jays. 

What’s your favorite thing about the game?

It’s never the same, it’s always something different.

What would you say is the biggest challenge of the game for you?

Probably the fielding, because with hitting it’s always easier to put the bat on the ball, but when fielding you have to field and make the throw.

What’s your team dynamic like?

It’s different because most of us are all black. It’s better because normally you only see one black kid or none on the team, and it feels good with everything being the same.

Who’s your favorite team and why?

The Blue Jays. We grew up watching them, my dad really likes them.

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

Probably practice how I want to play. In practice sometimes I won’t go as hard but I’m told that when I go hard I play better games.

Do you have a favorite quote?

Philippians 4:13. It means that with God I can do anything I put my mind to.

How does your faith play a role on the field?

I always try and ask God to do my best and to stay safe.

You mentioned liking movies: Which ones are your favorites?

I just watched (the latest) Transformers and it was good. And baseball movies, I like “42” and “Sandlot.”

What would you like to do after high school?

I want to play college and Major League ball. Maybe (I’d study) business or engineering.

What is your least favorite chore?

Dishes. It’s just dirty, I don’t like it.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Probably to an island.

Universal or Disney?

Universal. We don’t really go to Disney.

Android or iPhone, and why?

iPhone. I just think it’s better.