Athlete of the Week: Barak Boston, Foundation baseball

Foundation Academy baseball  coach Dakoda Grove thinks his 2025 pack of Lions is more talented than last season’s historic team. One of the reasons for that optimism is senior infielder Barak Boston, a transfer from East Ridge High. 

So far, in the early season, Boston is proving Grove’s excitement right by going four-for-four in his six plate appearances with a perfect on-base percentage, four runs scored, two runs batted in and two stolen bases in Foundation’s first two 2025 games. 

THE BASICS 

Age: 17

Sport: Baseball

Grade: Senior

School: Foundation Academy

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It’s an absolute honor, and I’m truly blessed. With all the hard work I put in on the baseball field and behind the scenes, this recognition is all the more rewarding. It feels so good to see the fruits of my labor.

What do you enjoy the most about baseball?

The pressure of being in a big spot when your team needs you the most and when everything depends on you getting the job done.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from baseball?

It’s not where you start; it’s where you finish, and there is always someone better than you, so what can you do to get 1% better every day?

Who is your favorite athlete?

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is my favorite athlete because of the story of how he made it to the Big Leagues and how he was treated by other people. He didn’t let that define who he was as an athlete and, most important, as a person. We both play the game quite similarly: Full of swag, smoothness, quickness and playing the game with no regrets. … We do not second-guess anything and rely on our instincts only.

Is there someone after whom you try to model your game?

I don’t want to be a copy-and-paste athlete, so I don’t try to model the way I play after someone else. I play the game as most hitters, outfielders and infielders play, with instinct leading the way.

What is your favorite baseball memory?

Going to Cooperstown to play in a weeklong tournament with my 12U team. 

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

A small salad, grapes or apple slices and something sweet to get my energy up, like Skittles or fruit snacks.

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

On the way to the field, I listen to worship music: Maverick City, Elevation Worship, SEU Worship, so I can stay calm and lock in. Then, when I’m getting out of the car or bus, I get hyped with some Starringo, Caleb Gordon or Kanye West.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

Fishing, bike riding and traveling.

What is your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject is debate because I love arguing with people about different laws, and in today’s world (that’s important). It has helped sharpen my critical thinking and improve my public speaking skills as well as teach me how to construct logical sound arguments and anticipate counter-arguments.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

It would be Jesus Christ just to ask him questions about His walk and journey on this earth, listen to His stories that were not recorded in the Bible and get a deeper understanding of the Bible and all its prophecies.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

Probably the time of the Roman Empire to see how it was built, how different things were run then compared to now and, of course, to see the gladiator battles in the Coliseum.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Read and apply Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’” 

As well as Matthew 6:25-34, which talks about not worrying about tomorrow and reminding us that God has a plan and future for our lives; you just have to give God control and stop trying to do things on your own.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

What does my life look like after college?

Who is your favorite superhero?

Hands down, it’s Spider-Man, mainly because he was one of the first superheroes I knew and all the movies are so good — especially the Tobey Maguire trilogy.