By MARK MOLINA
Staff Writer
San Benito senior JR Gaitan is a reserved individual and is a person of few words.
He rather just let his play on the diamond do the talking.
This year, Gaitan was a force for the Greyhounds, batting team-high .508 on the year, while recording 22 RBIs and three home runs.
He is also the team’s closer and picked up four saves on four attempts, finished with a 3-0 record and struck out 37 batters.
Gaitan earned District 32-6A Offensive player of the Year honors and was the Greyhounds’ team Most Valuable Player.
He ends the year as a finalist for the 6A Baseball Player of the Year award, which will be presented at the 2016 All Valley Sports Awards Banquet on June 14 in McAllen.
Get to know a little more about the San benito’s star.
Q: How does it feel to be nominated for this award?
A:It feels great because my goal as a player has been to be the best player in the Rio Grande Valley. So to be nominate is a real blessing.
Q:What do you like most about playing baseball?
A: I would have to say just getting the opportunity to play with my friends because we’ve been playing baseball since we were little.
Q: What is the hardest part about playing baseball in your opinion and why?
A: I think the errors, because it really gets to me as a player. Committing an error brings a lot of pressure.
Q: How do you prepare for a big game?
A: I just have to listen to music and get into my zone. I like to listen to Drake.
Q: What is your favorite baseball memory?
A: My favorite memory playing baseball will have to be when I was five playing tee ball. The team went to humble and it was a lot of fun hanging out at the hotel, playing in the pool.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies besides sports?
A: I enjoy going hunting and fishing with my grandparents.
Q: What is something people may not know about you?
A: I want people to know that I’m actually a very humble person. Some think I come off cocky, but usually I just stay to myself.
Q: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?
A: I would have to say Jose Reyes because he has speed and has a good glove.
Q: If you could play for one team in the world, which one would it be and why?
A: I’d play for the Houston Astros because I have always looked up to them since I was little.
Q: Who do you consider a hero and why?
A: Bryce Harper because people have always doubted him because he was small. He proved a lot of people wrong and is one of the best in the major leagues.