Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Samara Singh

Samara Singh has done more than just stand out as a talented player at Ocoee Little League (since renamed to West Orange Babe Ruth). In addition to making Ocoee’s 12-Year-Old All-Stars team last spring, Singh — a catcher and a pitcher — played for GTB (Girls Travel Baseball) and will compete this November in the “WORLD COMES to the Palm Beaches” International Baseball Tournament.

How long have you been playing baseball?

I was around 4, or maybe before that. My brothers played T-ball, and I always liked to run around with them and practice with them.

What do you love about the game?

I like that I’m a girl and people think I’m (bad) at it. This weekend I was playing (travel ball), and the other team was like, “Just get this easy out,” and everybody moved in. I hit it over their head, and we scored.

Do you intend to keep playing baseball into high school?

I’m trying to make it. I’m going to try out for my high-school team, but if I don’t make it, then I’m also going to try out for softball, so I can get that scholarship.

How did your regular season at Ocoee Little League go?

I was on the Rays. We started off not that good, but we got better throughout the season. We came out to be Top Team.

What is your favorite baseball memory?

Hitting my first home run last year. It was in Apopka … the field with the three palm trees behind it — I hit the top of the palm tree. I was like “Whoa, I just did that!”

What’s your strategy when pitching?

I block everybody out, because most of the time, they’re trying to distract me. I like to throw my fastball, because it kind of tails a little bit for me. 

Who is your favorite player?

(St. Louis catcher) Yadier Molina. I like to watch when he throws people out from his knees — it’s really cool.

What was your favorite class at Ocoee Middle last year?

Science — we did fun experiments, and my teacher (Shannon Hulcher) was awesome. He was funny, and he told a lot of jokes.

What do you think you would like to be when you grow up?

Probably a lawyer. My dad always says, “You would make a great lawyer,” so I’ve thought about it, and it would be pretty cool.

Who is your biggest role model?

My brother JJ (John Singh Jr.). I look up to him a lot, because he is a catcher and pitcher, too.

Do you have a favorite show you like to watch?

I like to watch “Full House” and “Fuller House.” I like when Stephanie says, “How rude!”