West Orange Observer: Sports Spotlight — Felipe Montilla

An integral member of the Dr. Phillips Little League Juniors All-Star team, Felipe Montilla has become a force at the plate. The big hitter had a two-run homer in sectional play against South Orange, which gave DPLL the lead — and ultimately the win — before going on to claim the Section 5 title.

When did you first get into baseball?

I was in Venezuela — I was, like, 9 years old. I just told my dad, “Hey, I want to play baseball.” It’s a really nice sport — you can make friends, and the sport is really fun.

What’s been the biggest difference between baseball here in the states and back in Venezuela?

It’s the level (of play). In Venezuela the level is really high, and it’s really hard. In Venezuela you need to work hard.

What’s been your favorite part about playing baseball?

Hitting — I’m good. And I like when somebody hits it really far and I’m like, “Oh my god.”

What’s the hardest part about playing this game?

Throwing to second — you have to be really quick. And you have to block the ball, and that really hurts.

Going into the All-Star season, was there anything you were looking to work on?

Throwing to second, because it’s just hard.

What’s your favorite thing about playing in DPLL?

(My teammates) are really good friends.

Do you have a favorite player?

Miguel Cabrera (first baseman for the Detroit Tigers) — he’s good, he’s Venezuelan and he hits a lot. 

Is baseball something you’d like to do going forward?

I want to go professional. (I’ll play for) whatever team comes and picks me.

If you could get words of advice from a MLB player, who would you choose?

Miguel Cabrera or Albert Pujols, or Mike Trout.

If you could play and excel in any other position, where would you want to play?

I think, maybe, infield — like second base. Though I’m really good in the outfield.

How do you prepare for a game?

Warm up and be confident in myself. We need to be confident in ourselves (as baseball players).

When you’re not playing baseball, what do you like doing in your spare time?

I like seeing movies — I like Marvel’s Infinity War — and hanging out with my friends, and sometimes going to the gym and (doing) workouts. 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

To my country (Venezuela), because my mom is there and I love my country.