Athlete of the Week: Colton Sims

Colton Sims is a freshman baseball player here at East, and in his first year is already making a huge impact as a starting Varsity player. Sims has his goals set high, hoping to make a mark on the team, learn as much as he can about the sport and continue his baseball career into college and someday the MLB.

Q: When did you start playing baseball and what did you enjoy about it?

A: “I started playing around pre-school and really enjoyed playing for my dad and with my brother. I enjoy the hitting aspect of baseball the most. I like the feeling of getting on base.”

Q: How is the baseball season going so far?

A: “We are doing alright, we could be doing better but I think we’ll get on track soon. Our defense and hitting are doing really well, but I think our pitching could be a little better.”

Q: What has it been like being a freshman starter on the varsity team?

A: Since it’s my first year of high school and I’m playing with the older guys, it’s sort of nerve-wracking at some points, but I’ve gotten more used to it after our first five games,” said Sims.

Q: How have the upperclassmen and team in general been welcoming to you?

A: “I know most of them, and have for a while now, so it feels normal playing with them. Saying things like, ‘you’ll get them next time’ or talking to me about my game have really helped,” said Sims.

Q: How will you continue to improve throughout the season?

A: “By listening to the coach and doing what he does. He’s smarter than me so he helps by telling me what I need to do. Outside of practice I do lessons, lift and do whatever I can really,” said Sims

Q: How have you been learning from the upperclassmen? What do you hope to learn from them?

A: “I have been trying to learn from their attitude. They are really calm and don’t get angry often, so I try to stay calm when playing too. I hope to learn how to be a better person in general from them, outside of baseball as well,” said Sims.

Q: How do you see yourself being a leader on the baseball team in the future?

A: “Hopefully I’ll be the top player, and be able to teach the younger guys baseball and how to be a better person. I want to take what I’ve learned from the upperclassmen and do the same,” said Sims.

Q: Do you have plans to continue playing baseball in college or in the MLB?

A: “Yes I do, that’s my main goal. I’m a big fan of competition and It would be a really fun experience to play at that level against those players,” said Sims.