Growing up with five brothers who played baseball and a sister who played softball, Sebastian Sanchez was always around baseball.
When he was just three years old, Sanchez started playing and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.
Last Thursday, the 6-foot-1 175 pound right-hander made his last regular-season start for El Camino’s baseball team, going on the road against Long Beach City College and picking up his team-leading ninth win of the season.
“It’s been one of the best seasons that I’ve had individually,” Sanchez said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
Freshman catcher Connor Underwood said Sanchez is one of the most interesting teammates he’s ever been around.
“He’s a very laid back and funny guy to be around off of the field and at practice,” Underwood said. “But in the games he’s very competitive and wants to do his very best every time he steps on the mound.”
Growing up, Sanchez rooted for the Chicago Cubs because they were an underdog team to him and he idolized hall-of-fame pitcher Greg Maddox.
Sanchez runs two miles the day before a start but he also likes to stay relaxed before he takes the mound.
“I eat a good breakfast on game day, I usually have a fruit shake, three eggs and some toast,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez attended Bellflower High School where he pitched and played outfield for the baseball team.
“Sometimes I miss playing everyday (as an outfielder), but pitching is my favorite so I decided to take that more serious,” Sanchez said. “I was good, but I was a way different pitcher than I am right now though.”
The pitcher he is today is standing at a 9-2 record with a 2.71 ERA heading into the playoffs and is lined up to start game one of the first round for El Camino on Friday at Cypress College.
“When he cares about something he becomes extremely passionate,” coach Nick Jones said.
And pitching seems to be something he cares about, because after El Camino, Sanchez hopes to get a scholarship at a four-year school and is willing to go anywhere that will get him some playing time.
“Winning is my favorite part about pitching,” Sanchez said. “It’s just so fun competing every inning.”
