ATHLETE OF THE WEEK 07.16.15: Timmy Sides

The Ocoee Little League Junior All-Stars team went 3-1 in pool play last week during the District 14 Tournament, earning a spot in Monday’s championship game against Windermere. Helping to lead the way for Ocoee, which outscored its opponents 42-9 through its four games last week, was Timmy Sides. Sides, 14, has been a do-it-all player for Ocoee, pitching and fielding well while also carrying a big stick for the team at the plate.

You guys have lost just once so far — by one run in extra innings against Windermere. How do you think the team has done?

I think we’ve done well. We just need to play as a team — every inning of every game — and make sure we close out.

How do you think you’ve done, personally, so far during the tournament?

I just want to play well and make sure my teammates look up to me so we play better as a team.

What has been the best moment of the tournament so far?

Right here, today (July 10 against Winter Garden), we almost turned a triple play.

When it comes to playing Winter Garden, is it a case where it’s a big rivalry, or is it more friendly because maybe you know some of them from travel ball?

I know some of the kids, but it’s still a rivalry. Whether you know them or not, you still want to beat them.

What’s it like being 6-foot-1 at just 14 years old?

A lot of jokes — ‘How’s the weather up there?’ — stuff like that. But you get used to it after a while.

You do a lot of things for the team, whether it’s pitching or playing different positions on the field. Do you have a preference?

Whatever the team needs. I like pitching and catching probably the most.

Obviously the whole team has done well this week, but is there a teammate in particular you’d like to shout out?

Joey (Kennedy), our catcher. He caught nine innings the first game, in extra innings, and he’s caught every game since then.

Do you play any other sports besides baseball?

I play football for the Ocoee Bulldogs.

What position do you play for the Bulldogs, and what do you enjoy about playing football?

I play quarterback, and I like everything about football.

What’s your favorite professional baseball team and player?

I like the Tampa Bay Rays. It’s a tough choice (for player), but I like Evan Longoria. I love watching him play.

Besides baseball, what’s your favorite summertime activity?

I love fishing. A lot of bites but not too many fish to talk about (recently).

What’s the last movie you watched, and was it any good?

“Spider-Man 2,” saw that today. It was all right, but I didn’t really like how it ended.

When school is in session, what’s your favorite subject?

Probably science, because of all the activities to go along with it. I probably should say math, because my dad is an engineer, but I’m not going to.

Do you have a crush on any famous actress, musician or athlete?

Ariana Grande.