Sports Spotlight: Brendan Furey, Windermere Little League

Brendan Furey has been part of the Windermere Little League organization for nearly six years and currently enjoys a dual role for the Majors All-Star team at both pitcher and third base.
 

When did you start playing baseball?

When I first started playing baseball, I was 5, and why I started playing was because my dad was saying, “Maybe you should try out baseball; it might be really fun” — because at that time I was playing soccer. He convinced me to play baseball.
 

What has kept you motivated to keep playing baseball?

I love how fun it can be playing against your friends, (the) learning experience, and getting better and better over time.
 

What has been your favorite part about being part of Windermere Little League?

I’d say being on teams with my friends and being able to hang out with them and having fun. And making new friends and getting to know them better.
 

What is your favorite part about pitching?

I’d say striking out my friends, especially when I get to play against them, and then just being able to control the game. 
 

What is the hardest part about pitching?

If you walk a batter, you have to keep your head in it and not get mad at yourself and stay focused.
 

Coming into the season, was there anything you were hoping to get better at?

I would like to get better at fielding and hitting mainly, and also getting better at pitching.
 

Is there a highlight moment that stands out during your time playing baseball?

This was like, when I was 7. I was playing center field at the time, and there was this kid who could hit home runs. He hit a huge hit — it wasn’t going to go over, but it was on the smaller field — and it was right next to the fence. It was really far away from me, and I had to run to get it, and I wouldn’t have made it, but then I just dove for it and I caught it.
 

Did you have any goals in mind for this All-Star season?

I have two goals: I want to try and make it as far as we can and hopefully get to the Little League World Series, and my second goal was to hit a home run by the end of the season, and I accomplished that. It wasn’t in a game, but it was still really fun to hit a home run for the first time ever.
 

Do you have a favorite team you like to watch? A favorite player?

I like a couple of teams, but my favorite is the Braves and then my favorite player, Ronald Acuña Jr. He’s like the star outfielder, and he always makes those sweet diving plays.
 

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

I like to bike ride, I like to fish, hang out with my friends and go to the lake in my neighborhood and play basketball, as well.