Sports Spotlight: Ethan Brown

A lefty for the Winter Garden Squeeze, Ethan Brown has become one of head coach Terry Abbott’s go-to guys on the mound. In five games, the Winter Garden resident has tossed 16 strikeouts and holds a 3.00 ERA in 12 innings pitched.
 

When did you first get into baseball?

It was as long (back) as I can remember. When I first started, I was actually a righty, but after that — throwing-wise — mechanics are kind of weird, so one of my coaches back in the day said, “Maybe he is a lefty.” A few days later, I got my first lefty glove, and it’s been a ride ever since.
 

What kept you in the sport for so long?

It’s just how the game is actually played itself. It doesn’t end from a timer; you have to compete to win, you have to compete to the end. And just the fact me being the lefty pitcher that I am, of my caliber as I was growing up, just made it fun and easy for me, so I guess it stuck with me. And I did play football and basketball, but (they) just didn’t click like baseball did.
 

What’s been the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since you first started?

I would say maturity level — just learning more about the in-depth logistics and analysis of the game itself, instead of going out there throwing a fastball or curveball. On top of that, I would also say growing as a person — the game teaches you so much, in and outside of the team.
 

Is there a moment that stands out for you during your baseball career?

Back when I was 12 years old, we had a little tournament going on and for the semifinal game, as well as the championship. I was able to close out both games on the same day … nine pitches, three Ks each time. I think that was when I first realized this was something serious, and I could take it far.
 

What is your favorite part about pitching? The hardest part?

I would say the most fun part is, on off-days, being able to hang out with the grinders in the bullpen — really just being able to enjoy the time and bond with the players. As far as the challenging part, it’s stepping on the mound — everyone’s eyes are on you and you have to compete.
 

How do you mentally get past having a difficult outing?

I feel like it’s something you either have it or you don’t. If you have a short mindset, you’re able to just put games like that behind and focus on the next outing. I feel like that is a huge part, as well as having helpful teammates that are going to back you up.
 

How has this season been going for you with the Squeeze?

It’s progressively gotten better. I feel like during the coronavirus break, even though I was still was throwing, there were some mechanical tweaks that I just didn’t focus on, and I started realizing that as I started to get video during the season.