ATHLETE OF THE WEEK - West Orange Times & Observer: Orlando Perez

Ocoee Little League's Orlando Perez helped lead the Junior Braves to a final record of 21-1.

By Steven Ryzewski
| 4:08 p.m. June 15, 2016

Orlando Perez helped the Ocoee Junior Braves to a final record of 21-1 this spring.

Sports
Athlete of the Week

Orlando Perez, 14, helped lead the Ocoee Junior Braves to an undefeated record in the regular season (18-0) and a 3-1 record in the District 14 Top Team Tournament, where the Braves finished as co-champions with the Windermere White Sox. Perez hit .418 while also earning a 1.84 ERA on the mound.

How old were you when you first started to play baseball?

I started playing baseball when I was 6. My family played the game. It just runs through my blood, and it’s fun to play.

What’s been the secret to the team’s success this year?

We just play like a team. We keep our heads up, and that’s it.

What part of baseball do you enjoy the most?

I like batting. It gets the team pumped when you get a base hit. It gets the team rallied up.

What has been your favorite memory from this season?

Last game (June 8, against Winter Garden), we were down by six with two outs in the last inning, and we came back, and we won in the 10th inning.

Which professional team is your favorite and which professional player do you like the best?

My favorite pro team is the Los Angeles Angels, and my favorite player is Mike Trout. They’re (the Angels) up-and-coming — and Mike Trout, no matter what, he is always playing (well).

What is your favorite sport to play outside of baseball?

Basketball — it’s fun to play with friends.

What are your favorite and least favorite subjects in school?

Math is my favorite, because I get to solve problems. History is my least favorite. It’s all about the past, and it’s a lot to take in.

What’s the last movie you saw in theater — and was it any good?

“Angry Birds.” We actually came late … I liked the movie, though — I liked the part where they were saving the eggs.

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

I would want to be able to travel to the future. That way, I know where I would be and which path to take.

If you aren’t able to be a professional athlete, what is something else you would like to be?

A mechanic — I like cars a lot. My favorite car is an Acura Integra.