Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Ty Dodge

Ty Dodge has been having a strong season for the Majors Angels at Winter Garden Little League this spring. Dodge, 12, has two home runs this spring — bringing him to a total of 31 home runs on his career, including Little League and travel baseball. He also has struck out 35 batters in just 14 innings of work on the mound this spring.

Why do you think your season has gone so well on the mound and at the plate?

Hitting, I work a lot at it and it kind of comes naturally. I take a lot of swings every day. For pitching, I just thought coming into (the season) that I’m just going to have fun — I’m not going to try and do everything perfectly.

What pitches do you have?

I have three: a fastball, change-up and curveball. I like my fastball the best, because I can throw it right by people, and they’re super late on it.

Which game this year has been the most exciting?

I think when we played against the Yankees. I pitched really (well), and I struck out 12 people, and then I hit a home run. That was pretty fun. 

How long have you been playing and what do you like about the game?

Since I was 4 or 5. I just like the competitiveness. I probably like hitting the most.

Do you have a favorite professional baseball team?

I think my favorite team is either the Braves or the Yankees. My dad is a Braves fan, and we went to a couple of their games. And then I like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, so that’s why I like the Yankees.

If you could play a game of baseball in any stadium, which would you choose?

Probably Yankee Stadium. It looks the nicest.

Do you have a favorite baseball movie?

“The Sandlot.” It’s like the original baseball movie — it’s so well-made. 

What’s your favorite class in school?

Math. At the beginning of the year I was struggling and stuff, but then my teacher (Ethan Mankoff) was confident that I could do (well), and he helped me, and now I’m getting 100s on the tests. 

What’s the best baseball advice you’ve received?

When you make a mistake, don’t let it take your whole game down. Just move past it, and keep on moving forward. My dad and my coach told me that.

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

Probably work in software or something like that, because I’m pretty good at computers.

What’s your favorite postgame meal?

Probably a French dip. My mom makes them, and they’re really good.