Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Jack Waddingham

Jack Waddingham’s strong play on the pitchers’ mound, at the plate — he homered during pool play — and on the field helped his Dr. Phillips Little League 11-year-old All-Star team to a district championship. After that, Waddingham and his teammates went 1-1 in the Section 5 Tournament, ending their postseason run.

How exciting was it to win the District 14 Tournament?

I was very excited, because we beat a really good team (Winter Garden) in the finals. I knew it from the start that we had a really good team, from what I had seen in the regular season.

Which game of the district tournament was the most memorable?

Probably the first game against Winter Garden, because everyone had a good game.

How do you think the team did during the Section 5 Tournament?

I think we did (well) in the first game. We hit really well in the first game, but in the second game, the pitchers (for Oviedo) were a little faster, so we had to adjust.

What can you and your teammates learn from that defeat to get better for next summer?

Probably just to be ready and practice against faster pitchers; get used to the speed.

If you have two strikes against a good hitter, what is your go-to pitch?

Probably (a fastball) right over the outside corner. Keep the batter guessing.

What was it like to hit a home run in the district  tourney? 

I was really excited, because that was the first home run I had hit in All-Stars, and it came against a really good team.

If you could play a game in any Major League Baseball stadium, which would it be?

I think Wrigley Field, because it looks like the most fun to play in with the ivy on the walls.

What’s the best baseball advice you have gotten?

To always keep a positive attitude, even if you’re down, because you can always come back and win at some point. My parents told me that.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Math — I think it’s really easy, and I’m really good with numbers. 

What is something related to math that you learned about this past school year and found interesting?

Fractions. It goes along with everyday life — like cooking proportions.

What’s your dream job?

I would probably like to be an umpire or a baseball announcer.

What’s your favorite video game?

Forza Horizon 3. It’s very (addicting) — I get to take all my anger out on cars on the road.

What’s your favorite car?

The Ford Shelby GT-R.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].