Athlete of the Week - West Orange Times & Observer: Austin Clements

Ocoee High’s WABA summer travel baseball team scored a big tournament championship July 8 to 10 in Winter Haven, winning the Summer Slam event with a 3-1 record. Austin Clements, a left fielder and designated hitter for Ocoee, went 8-for-12 at the plate during the tournament, hitting four doubles and driving in six runs. 

Where you surprised that this was the tournament where the team got over the hump and scored a championship victory?

I was kind of surprised. I was telling my teammates the whole weekend, “We’ve been in the championship three times, and the fourth time, I really want to win this one.” I told them, “Let’s just play (well) and execute.”

How long have you been playing baseball?

About 12 years — my cousins played and my dad, he used to take me out to play. It just really started from there.

Do you feel like the perception around Ocoee’s baseball program is changing?

Big change — when we first started out, we didn’t do too hot. But coach (Bobby Brewer) has been working with us, and he’s a great coach, and we’ve got great players. He’s been teaching us, and we’ve hitting a lot better, fielding and limiting the errors that we make.

What do you like and dislike about summer travel ball?

I love playing tournaments — four games every weekend. But the heat really kills you. You’ve got to stay hydrated.

What’s been the highlight of your summer?

This past championship game. It was the last tournament, and we finally were able to win the championship for that one.

If you could be any superhero, which would you choose?

Superman, of course. He can fly and has laser vision. 

Do you have a hobby outside of baseball?

Fishing. … I go fishing probably four times a week.

What’s your least favorite chore around the house?

Probably cleaning the bathroom — that’s pretty self-explanatory.

What’s your dream job?

I want to be a homicide detective. I watched “The First 48” for years. There’s just something about helping people and solving the case that’s pretty cool.

Who is someone you look up to?

Well, my mom (Rhonda Clements) is one of my top idols, and my grandpa before he passed away.