Sarasota Athlete of the Week: 07.14.17

Sarasota's Tai Gilbert will be a junior at The Out-of-Door Academy in the fall. He plays baseball for the Thunder as an outfielder and pitcher, and attended the MLB Breakthrough Series camp in Bradenton on June 28-30, where he played in front of pro scouts.

How long have you been playing baseball?

Since I was 8 or 9 years old. I picked it up in Sarasota. I went to one (Baltimore) Orioles game with my neighbors, and I saw (former Boston Red Sox player) David Ortiz, (current Oriole) Adam Jones, all those guys play, and I thought it was pretty fun. A week later, I decided to play baseball. I told my dad, and that's how it all started. 

What is the appeal of baseball to you?

The success tastes so good. I mean, the failure sucks, but once you get a base hit, a double, a triple, home run, any of those things, it tastes so good. Striking a guy out, stealing a base, that's all just so fun to me, because you fail so many times in this game. When you find success, it tastes really good and you want more. 

What is your best skill on the field?

I would have to say my arm. It (the ball) comes really good out of the hand. When I throw people out, it has a lot of carry on it. Coaches always talk good things about my arm, it's a 'plus-plus' arm.

Why do you pitch sidearm?

About a year ago, I couldn't really throw a strike overhand. I got with my coaches, and they said, 'Hey, you should try throwing sidearm.' I said, 'Screw it, I'll try it.' I ended up doing pretty well with that. Even though it's slower, it still gets guys out, so I'm pretty happy with it. 

What was the most important thing you learned at MLB Development Camp?

(Former MLB player and hitting coach) Ron Jackson, he was in the outfield with us for a while, talking our ears off, but it helped. He just gave us a rundown on how to get to balls in the gaps, whether you grab a ball barehanded or with a glove, when to hit your cuts and when to not, all that stuff. 

What are some goals you have for yourself?

My main goal is to play Division I baseball. For high school, I'd like to make it to the district championship. Last year, we didn't do that. This year, we're going to have some pretty good pitchers, so I think we can do it. 

What is your favorite food?

I like barbecue baby back ribs at Outback Steakhouse. Also, penne pasta with mozzarella cheese at a place called Cafe Epicure. It's an Italian restaurant. 

What is your favorite TV show?

"Intentional Talk," on MLB Network. I like watching (Kevin) Millar and (Chris) Rose go at it all the time. Watching Kevin's Highlights, that's always funny, too. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Jim Valvano, there's one quote from him: "Don't give up, don't ever give up." I live by that. When stuff gets hard, I don't ever give up.

Finish this sentence: "Tai Gilbert is ... "

... A grinder. I just can't live without the grind. I've been grinding basically since I picked up baseball. I'm doing something every day, whether it's hitting, running, fielding.