Athlete of the Week: Andrew Giddens

Lakewood Ranch High junior catcher Andrew Giddens hit a two-run single to break a scoreless tie and help propel the Mustangs to a 4-2 victory over North Port in pool play of the Red Bracket of the Sarasota Baseball Classic March 25.

Giddens, who also pitches for the Mustangs, followed up his performance with a double, a triple and had six RBIs to lead the Mustangs to a 15-8 victory over Dade March 26.

Giddens helped lead the Mustangs to a third-place finish in the Red Bracket and was named to the All-Tournament team.

"I loosened up and tried to have fun. It’s just a tournament. I just enjoyed being with my teammates and having a good time.

It’s a great honor to be named to the All-Tournament team. I had no idea. That’s really cool. It’s really great.

I like catching more than pitching. I think it’s because you’re in control of the game the whole time. I like to be in control. It definitely puts wear-and-tear on your body, though.

There are a lot more benefits to catching than hitting. You can throw out a runner or make a good call.
Hopefully, I’ll get committed by the end of my junior year. That’s a pretty big goal of mine.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel is my favorite player. He throws like 102 miles per hour. He’s a straight stud.

If I weren’t a catcher or a pitcher, then I would want to play in the outfield. I would like to gun out runners at home plate. I like to show off the arm.

I started playing baseball when I was about 6 years old because of a friend. I played T-ball at Braden River Little League and then I played Little League here at Lakewood Ranch Little League.