Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Brandon Correia

Three days after successfully closing out Winter Garden Little League’s second game of the District 14 Juniors (13- and 14-year-old) All-Stars Tournament, Brandon Correia got the start against for WGLL in the district championship July 5 against Windermere.

Overcoming a slow start in the first that saw him surrender two runs, Correia was lights out through the fifth inning before things got hairy in a wild sixth inning for both teams. Winter Garden ultimately finished as district runner-up after the 11-8 loss to Windermere, but Correia showed grit on the mound throughout the tournament.

Tell us a little bit about the up-and-down nature of game against Windermere July 5.

(Windermere) started out very strong, but through those five innings, I held them tight. … I just had to try and find the umpire’s strike zone and have my command on pitches.

What’s your general approach when you’re out there on the pitchers’ mound?

I just mix it up and I locate my pitches pretty good, I’d say.

The team went 2-1, overall, and just missed out on making it to Sectionals. Were you pleased with how the team performed?

Oh yeah, I would never have a different group of guys — I was very happy with how we played.

What was the most memorable part of the regular season, when you played for the Winter Garden Junior Yankees?

The game we played at Windermere (Little League), and I pitched and shut out the Nationals.

Which position do you enjoy playing the most?

I like playing shortstop, because that’s my favorite player’s position, and I feel like I play my best there, besides pitching.

If you could play one game in any Major League Baseball stadium, which would it be and why?

Yankee Stadium. It’s the home of my favorite team, and I’ve just always wanted to go there.

Which of your teammates can hit the ball the farthest?

I’d say Akash Shah. He’s already hit the warning track and come very close (to a home run).

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Math. I excel in it, and it’s just probably the easiest for me.

What do you think you’d like to do for a career one day?

I would like to either play Major League Baseball or be in the United States Coast Guard. I’ve always liked boating all my life, and it’s just a fun thing to do, I think.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not playing baseball or doing schoolwork?

Playing outside with my friends, playing backyard football.

What’s the last movie you saw in theaters that you enjoyed?

“Finding Dory.” I saw that with my sister and brother.