Sports Spotlight: Ethan Brown, Winter Garden Squeeze

Now in his third year playing in the Florida Collegiate Summer League with the Winter Garden Squeeze, Ethan Brown is looking forward to sharpening his skills as he prepares to join the team at the University of South Florida this fall. A week into the season, Brown has pitched four innings with a 6.75 ERA. 

When did you first get into baseball?

As far as I remember, my mom signed me up when I was able to play T-ball. I was a three-sport athlete my entire life. It was football, basketball, baseball — but coming up to my junior year, baseball just stuck. I guess it was just God-given at that point.

What has kept you in the sport for this long?

I would say it’s the fact that it’s one of the more interesting games for me. It’s a game that doesn’t end by a timer. It’s a game that requires skill, whether it’s trying to hit the ball or hitting a spot when you’re on the mound. At the end of the day, the game doesn’t go by a timer. It ends by you having to compete.

What’s been the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since you first started?

I would say the talent level. When it comes to the side work effort, when I was in Jersey, I would just throw one bullpen a week and then play center field or whatever it is. But now that I’m in college, I’m throwing every day. I’m on a mound almost every day, making my pitches look better with the direction, spin rate and stuff like that. I would say knowing the more analytical game rather than just going out there and throwing balls out to the plate.

What’s your favorite pitch to throw and why?

I would say fastball. It doesn’t require movement; there’s no trickery there. I can just beat you with it — or you beat me, depending on what it is — but I just compete with it the most.

How long have you been with the Squeeze? What is your favorite part about the organization?

This is my third year. I would say the coaching staff. Terry Abbott — that guy has been by my side since the day he met me. He’s been getting me into schools, communicating with me, and every time a scout or any person of that nature comes to him, he always has something good to say about me. 

What is your favorite part about pitching? The most challenging?

My favorite part is strikeouts. I’m a big strikeout guy. I like getting high numbers and strikeouts in my outings. It’s just fun for me. I would say the most challenging part is just as soon as you get that ball in your hands for the first pitch, all eyes are on you. All the pressure is on you to decide how the mood of the game is going to go. 

What do you hope to accomplish this season with the Squeeze?

I just want to keep playing until we can’t anymore — whether it’s winning a championship or getting knocked out in the playoffs. I’m just looking to go out there every day, have fun with the guys and win ball games.