Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Patrick Drymon

Patrick Drymon played a pivotal role in the resurgence of the Sarasota High baseball team this spring, and he’s followed that up with a successful summer in travel ball.

Drymon hit .378 with 20 runs and 20 RBIs with a team-high 12 doubles in 29 games last season. This summer, he’s kept up that strong hitting, including a 7-for-17 performance at the Perfect Game 17U World Wood Bat Association National Championship from June 25 through July 2 that earned him All-Tournament Team honors.

When and why did you start playing baseball?

I started really young in T-ball. I don’t know exactly what age. I started playing to see if I liked it, and I’ve really enjoyed it ever since. I’ve been working hard to get better so I can keep playing.

What’s been the best moment of this summer?

I’ve been playing with the shortstop on our high school team (Mark Metcalf) year round, and it’s really fun because we have a really good connection up the middle. I really enjoy it. I feel like we both know what each other is thinking at all times. The chemistry we have is unmatched. It helps us work together to do some pretty cool things.

What is your favorite all-time baseball memory?

This past year, going up to Auburndale. We played a pretty good team up there from New Jersey and beat them. We won the whole tournament on our spring break, and that was pretty fun. Going into this year, I don’t think anyone thought we were going to be any good because of our last season. We fought that adversity, and went up there and proved some people wrong, because I don’t think anyone thought we were going to win it.

What sparked Sarasota’s turnaround this year?

We had a different type of energy. Last year I got to experience it a little bit and everyone was all kind of down, but I feel like coming into this year we were very energetic. We all worked really hard and bought into what the coaches were telling us. It proved itself on the field and from there we took it and ran with it. 

What do you want to do in your senior year?

Stat-wise, I want to hit .400. I haven’t hit a home run yet in my high school career, and that’s a big goal of mine next year. Other than that, I want to make a really deep run into the playoffs. I think next year we can make a run at states, which would be fun. 

What’s gone right for you at the plate this summer?

Just the work that I’ve put in every day. Every day I go hit, most of the time with Mark. I go hit and work out, and I think the work I’ve put in is starting to show. 

What’s been your most humbling moment in baseball?

My freshman year coming in, I was very undersized (5-foot-3, 120 pounds) and not strong and it kind of showed. It humbled me a little bit and it drove me to work harder. Coming into high school I was undersized and I got overpowered. The game sped up and I wasn’t really ready for it. Now I’m 5-foot-9 and almost 170 (pounds).

What’s your favorite meal?

Steak, cooked medium rare on the grill. I’m a big mashed potatoes guy too.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

The movie ‘Moneyball’ is a good one. I like that one. It’s about the Athletics, and they didn’t have a lot of money, but they figured out a way. They didn’t have money compared to other big teams, but they figured out a way to fight through and win. 

What’s your go-to warm-up song?

My walk-up song was Raindrops by Metro Boomin. Walking up to the plate, I hear it every time, and it gets me locked in.

If you’re not playing baseball, what are you doing?

I like to fish and hunt. I live out in the country area (in Parrish) and out by my house we have some property out there.

Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

I really enjoy watching Alex Bregman. He’s not the biggest guy, and I feel like my game compares to him a little bit. He’s a third baseman and isn’t very big, but I feel like me and him are similar.

Finish this sentence. Patrick Drymon is…

A dawg.