Athlete of the Week: Mason Mojica, Winter Garden Squeeze

After his freshman season as a member of the Polk State baseball team, former Olympia High student-athlete Mason Mojica is back on the diamond in Southwest Orange playing for the Winter Garden Squeeze and his former high school coach Mike McDaniel.

As a senior for the Titans, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound catcher hit for an average of .360, drove in 23 runs and hit four home runs. In his first season of college baseball, Mojica appeared in 29 games — playing some first base along with catcher — hitting for a .265 average with two homers and 17 RBIs. 

Mojica recently announced he will be transferring to St. Johns River State College next season.

THE BASICS

Age: 18

Sport: Baseball

College: St. Johns River State College

Alma Mater: Olympia High

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week? 

It feels great to be recognized for playing a sport I love.

What do you enjoy the most about baseball? 

Being able to just go out and have fun with a bunch of guys and compete for something.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from baseball? 

You can’t cheat yourself in this game, and there are certain things that have to be done for you to perform. If you don’t take care of your body and things like that, you can’t expect to perform well.

What is your favorite baseball memory? 

Hitting two home runs in the same inning when I was in high school.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Derek Jeter, because I enjoyed watching him when I was younger. He did it for the love of the game and not the money or the fame.

What is your go-to pre-game meal? 

Ground beef and rice with some avocado.

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

“Blame” by Calvin Harris.

What is your favorite non-baseball hobby?

I love playing golf.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? 

A tent, a lighter and a knife, so I can have a shelter, start fires, make food and so I can hunt animals.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Sandlot”, because I think it’s the best baseball movie ever made.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

Aaron Judge, because he is the best hitter in MLB.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

Probably the 1900s, because there were no phones, and you could just go outside and just have fun with all your friends and not have to worry about anything.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Keep grinding, because at some point, you won’t be able to play the game that you love anymore.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

How far did we make it in baseball?

Who is your favorite superhero?

Probably the Hulk, because he’s very strong.

Who is your favorite supervillain?

The Joker, because I like his background story.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would probably pick super speed, so I could travel the world.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

Most definitely Rome, Dubai and a safari in Africa. You’re going to be around some of the most ancient artifacts in Rome; in Dubai, you get to be around some of the richest culture in the world; and an African safari because all of the animals.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? 

Definitely a panda, because they just seem cool.

What is your most controversial food take? 

I prefer jelly on a bagel.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

No.