Athlete of the Week: Sean McAdams

Sean McAdams, 18, is enjoying his senior year pitching for the Cardinal Mooney Cougars. McAdams has played baseball since he was 4 years old, however, he played basketball his freshman and sophomore year and was the quarterback this year for the football team. Although he is unsure of what his plans for the fall will be, he is leaning toward attending Seminole State College on a baseball scholarship and majoring in criminal justice.

How long have you been playing baseball?
I’ve played pretty much all my life. It’s really the only sport I played seriously.

What is your position, and what do you like about it?
I am the pitcher. I like having control of the game. You can go as fast or slow as you want and you set the tempo for the game. If you start off throwing well, your teammates follow at the bat.

How long have you been playing for Cardinal Mooney?
All four years.

What are your strengths?
I played football for the first time this year and was quarterback, and it really helped me with my leadership on the field. I don’t like losing, so I am a competitor.

What game are you looking most forward to this season?
I’m looking forward to district championships against ODA. They are our biggest rival.

Do you play for any other teams besides Cardinal Mooney?
I will be playing for SWFL this summer. It is a prospect team. You go to tournaments, and a lot of pro and college scouts are there. You get to showcase yourself in front of them.

What is one of your best memories this season?
Beating ODA the second time we played them. We played them once, and they beat us, and then we had a bad taste in our mouths about it and beat them at their home field, and we gave them their first loss for the season.

If you could play for any professional team, which one would you play for and why?
The Chicago Cubs, because I have been a Cubs fan my entire life.

Is there a player you admire?
Justin Verlander. He plays for the Detroit Tigers. I’d like to be like him. He is probably the best pitcher in the league and has control over the entire game and is able to go the full distance almost every game, and I like that. He is a big force on the mound. Every time he is pitching, the Tigers have a very good chance of winning.

What type of bat do you use?
A Marucci Cat 5

What is your best pitch?
Right now, my fastball. I throw it really hard. Later on in my career, I am going to have to get something other than the fastball. My changeup is pretty good, too.

What advice would you give to younger ball players?
The best thing that helped me was playing other sports. My freshman and sophomore year, I played basketball and then football my senior year. Playing other sports helps you complete your full athleticism. The way you move with your body is different for each sport. Rather than just being athletic on the baseball field, I am a total athlete.