VYPE: When and how did you first get into playing baseball?
Keaton: When I was about three years old, my sister was four and she was playing T-ball. She was complaining about how it was too hot outside and she did not want to play. My grandpa asked me if I wanted to put on her uniform and play and I said yes. He told my sister that if I put on the uniform, she was going to have to sit and watch me play the rest of the season and she agreed. So I put in on and played the season and have been playing ever since.
VYPE: What is your favorite part about representing your high school as an athlete?
Keaton: That would be getting to wear the black hat with the white and black “N” on it and wearing the Tribe across my chest. But my favorite is wearing the hat because once someone sees you with it on, they will know where you play baseball at.
VYPE: What has been your favorite memory of playing?
Keaton: The spring of 2021. We won districts and then we went to Vici for regionals. KG Schmidt led us to state with a win at regionals. I will not forget that we had to leave early in the morning with a loud sendoff from the highway patrol. It is a great memory.
VYPE: Why are you passionate about your sport?
Keaton: Both baseball and basketball run in my family. I started playing when I was three years old and I have always had a heart for the game from the beginning.
VYPE: Which professional athlete do you look up to and why?
Keaton: Definitely Kobe Bryant because he had that swagger to him and his mentality because you have to have a great mentality to be the best.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade and why?
Keaton: That would be Mrs. Hayes. She has been with the class of 2024 since we were in seventh grade and she has basically been a mom to us. She has helped me through my struggles and has always been there when I need her. She definitely is someone I cannot forget when I graduate.
VYPE: Who inspires you and why?
Keaton: A teammate, David Martinez. He is a good guy, has a good work ethic, gives me talks about life, and he is not afraid to speak his mind to you and I think that is a good thing.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Keaton: Mario Berumen because he will push you to the max. He is a good player and even though he is a grade below me, I still look up to him and take his advice when it is given. He will tell you if you are doing something wrong and will help you fix it.
VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.
Keaton: Definitely a shoutout to my coach, Weston Winters. He has done a lot for me and has always had my back. I am very thankful for him. I also want to thank my Papa and NeeNee. They spend way too much on me for sports and I love them and am thankful for them. Lastly, I am thankful for my English teacher, Mrs. Hayes. She has been there with me through my struggles and she is a person who if you need someone to talk to, will sit and listen.
