- June 12, 2025
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With the Winter Garden Squeeze 2025 season kicking off this past week, fans will notice a litany of former area Little Leaguers and high school players up and down the Squeeze lineup. One of those familiar faces and names is former Winter Garden Little Leaguer and Montverde Academy player Anthony Picciano, who currently plays college baseball at West Texas A&M.
The former Eagles baseball captain and member of the school’s Class 2A state championship-winning track-and-field team in 2022 returns to West Orange County with the Squeeze after spending his freshman season playing for the Division II program in Canyon, Texas, as an outfielder and right-handed pitcher.
Age: 19
Sport: Baseball
High school: Montverde Academy
College: West Texas A&M University
Grade: Freshman
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It’s an honor to be recognized as the Athlete of the Week. It highlights the dedication and effort I invest in my sport.
What do you enjoy the most about baseball?
I enjoy the challenges of baseball that other sports don’t have.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from baseball?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from baseball is no matter what happens in the game, you have to try to keep a level head.
What is your favorite baseball memory?
My favorite baseball memory is hitting a walk-off home run at West Texas A&M during my freshman year.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong because of the flare and energy he brings to the game.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
Chicken parmesan.
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
“All Eyez on Me” by Tupac.
What is your favorite non-sports hobby?
I love to travel.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
A personal chef to cook me meals so I’m never hungry, Luke Nichols from the Outdoor Boys to help me survive and water, because you need water.
What is your favorite movie?
“War Dogs” because I think it is hilarious.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
I’d have dinner with Kevin Hart, just so he could make me laugh.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
Ancient Rome so I could watch the gladiators battle at The Colosseum.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
Where am I financially?
Who is your favorite superhero?
Batman because he doesn’t have any superpowers. He’s just a normal guy.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
The Joker because he’s crazy and unpredictable.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation because I can instantly travel.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
Italy to see where my family is originally from; Thailand because I have family there; and Australia because I think that would be the most fun country to visit.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
Any type of bird, so I could fly.
What is your most controversial food take?
Pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
NO!
