By Patrick MacCoonRecord Sports EditorAt an early age it wasn’t hard for Donovan Mozee to find out what sport he wanted to play as he was able to watch his father, George, excel at baseball and crush baseballs nearly out of sight.With a Cardinals state of mind growing up, Mozee quickly began to pay close attention to Albert Pujols when he sprung onto the scene in 2001 and put together one of the most impressive Rookie of the Year campaigns, with 37 home runs.By the time Mozee was playing little league he was imitating his favorite superstar’s stance at the plate. He was also crushing home runs at a rate above the rest of his competition.Days, winters and off-seasons working on his craft helped lead Mozee to his most successful high school season this year as a junior for Wright City.On his way to earning all-state honorable mention honors as a designated hitter/utility player and first-team all-conference honors, Mozee placed himself amongst the top home run hitters in the state with six long balls.He also was one of three Wildcats to bat over .400 as he finished a 21-win season with a .406 batting average and 11 extra-base hits.The stories of his home runs have been told and heard throughout the baseball community, especially one that cleared two different fences and rolled into the back of a soccer goal net nearly 450-plus feet away from home plate.
Q: How did you develop your love for baseball?“Ever since I was little I was watching my dad play baseball and that made me want to play baseball. He taught me everything I know about the game.”
Q: What was the most memorable part of your season?“We had a good team. We actually put hits together and it was the best season we will probably ever have.”
Q: Who is a professional ballplayer that you like to imitate your game after?“Albert Pujols. He’s always been my favorite player and I learned a lot from his hitting mechanics that I incorporated into my game.”
Q: Who are your top three favorite power hitters of all-time?“Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera and Alex Rodriguez.”
Q: What more can you expect from yourself and your team next season?“We can win more games next year. We just have to play our game and play like we are capable and use to.”
Q: Why do you think you are a good fit in the middle of the lineup to drive in runs?“I’m smart at the plate. I don’t let anybody beat me. I’m a good hitter and always want to win the battle.”
Q: What was your most memorable home run of the season?“When we played Persippia I hit the longest home run of my career. People told me it was at least 450-480 feet.”
Q: What did you do to become a feared hitter at the plate and a power hitter?“Hard work and mechanics really helped me become a better hitter this year after working on them a lot. I wanted to have a big year and the hard work paid off.”
Q: What part of your game would you like to improve on?“I can always work on becoming a better contact hitter. I’ve been working on keeping my head on the ball. I can hit curve balls well, so I worked on that all winter.”
Q: Who has had the greatest influence in your life?“My dad. He was a great baseball player when he was little and that made me what I am now.”
Q: Favorite Food?“Hot wings.”
Q: Favorite Restaurant?“I’m not really picky, but wherever I go there’s nothing I don’t like to eat.”
Q: Favorite TV Show?“‘ESPN’. That’s where I’ve learned a lot of the things I know and take to the field with me in baseball by watching the pros. I go to sleep watching MLB Network every night.”
Q: Favorite Movie?“‘Fast and Furious’. I like all of those movies.”
Q: Favorite Music Genre?“Hip-Hop.”
Q: LeBron James or Michael Jordan?“LeBron.”
Q: Favorite college team?“Florida State University.”
Q: Favorite Cardinals player ever?“Albert Pujols.”
Donovan Mozee is notorious for his long home runs. This past season he led Wright City with six long balls in a 21-win season.
Bill Barrett
