West Ranch Baseball

Mitchell Thompson Hotseat

9/8/05

What is your favorite baseball memory?

My favorite baseball memory is playing on the USA Goodwill Series 14U team. We traveled all over Australia and played different teams. It was a great trip and I learned a lot about baseball from that experience. I ended up playing very well and made some great friends during my travels.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about high school baseball?

The best thing about high school baseball has to be the competition. Each game has a great competitive vibe.

If you could have a concert in your backyard, what three bands would you have playing?

Compared to the rest of the team I enjoy different types of music. I like a hard rock type instead of a slow rock unlike most of the team. I have a feeling I’m going to be hearing from them about this list:

After you hit the game winning homerun, your friends offer to take you out to dinner at the restaurant of your choice. Where do you go and what do you eat?

I would go to Kishos because it’s expensive, its good, and the chefs can be crazy.

If you could take any girl on the planet to a school dance, who would you choose?

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have three things, what three things would you choose?

Is there a family member, friend, or athlete that serves as an inspiration to you? If so, tell us why.

The one athlete that particularly stands out for me has to be Walter Payton because of his strength, intelligence, and his love for his sport-football. He was always one of the leaders on a non-talented team and eventually was able to lead them to a Super Bowl win.

Which one of your teammates is most likely to end up on American Idol one day?

Most likely Troy Hansen, not because of his voice or appearance but because of his musical knowledge.

If you could attend any sporting event in the world, what would you choose?

I would go to a Red Sox vs. Yankees American League Championship Game 7, with Coach Fogel. We would definitely have a side bet.

My most embarrassing moment has to be when I attended an Area Code Baseball Camp. When I arrived at Blair Field at Long Beach State, I was surprised to see that most of the participants had driven themselves to the camp. So as we began to warm up, I came to the conclusion that I was the youngest player out of approximately 100 that showed up. After stretching, our first drill was the 60 yard dash for time. As they called names, I was nervously thinking about how the other players would react to me since I was younger. After they called my name, I hesitantly walked up to the line. The coach indicated to “go,” and I started to sprint, however after about 20 yards, I fell right on my face in front of everybody. That was definitely the most embarrassing moment of my career. Luckily I redeemed myself and did very well the rest of the camp. This is when I was noticed by the coaches from the Goodwill Series.

If you could invite any three people in the history of the world over for dinner, who would they be?

I would invite Babe Ruth, Jesus Christ, and Walter Payton. Babe Ruth because of his baseball experiences and tips on how to become the greatest baseball player that has ever lived. Jesus Christ for obvious reasons. Walter Payton for his success as a football player and in life.