Staten Island High School Student Sports Star:
An Interview with Dillon McNamara
Education Update (EU): When did you start to play baseball?
Dillon McNamara (DM): I first started playing baseball for Mid-Island Little League when I was about 6 years old.
EU: Who was your first teacher and/or mentor in sports?
DM: My first teacher/mentor was my father. He coached me throughout Little League and is still my main influence in athletics today.
EU: How many hours of practice daily does it take to keep in shape?
DM: During baseball season I practice for at least 2 hours a day; and during this upcoming basketball season it’s probably going to be around 3 or 4 hours daily. We practice before and after school hours.
EU: What positions have you played and what is your best position?
DM: For basketball I play both forward positions and center. For baseball I play all over the place; catcher, first base, third base, outfield and, my best position, pitcher.
EU: How tall are you? Does your height give you an advantage and how?
DM: I am 6’4, and yes, it definitely gives me an advantage. A misconception about hieght is that it gives you a reason to be lazy but, still be good. When in reality it actually gives you more of a reason to work and work and work, so that your size isn’t put to waste. Size is important when it comes to sports, but hard work is a necessity.
EU: Where have you traveled to play and what teams have you been looking at?
DM: I’ve traveled to Pennsylvania, Florida and all over New York and New Jersey. In Florida my team got the opportunity to play against teams from different countries, which was very fun. However I have never actually been out of the country under any circumstances. I will also be attending different showcases in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
EU: Do you plan to go to college? If so, which ones?
DM: I definitely plan on going to college, as to which one I’m not quite sure yet.
EU: Would you like to go professional in the future?
DM: I would love to go professional in the future. There hasn’t been a day in my life when I haven’t thought about it. As to how realistic my chances are, if I keep working hard anything is possible.
EU: What other sports do you play?
DM: I play baseball, and basketball. I was going to play football in my sophomore year but, my dad and the Athletic Director of my high school (Moore Catholic High School) thought I would be better off focusing on two sports.
EU: Which sports figure do you most admire? Why?
DM: I most admire Roger Clemens because he has always been a great competitor, he intimidates his competition and, lastly, because he can’t quit something he loves. If I was in his situation I don’t think I would be able to stop either.
EU: What classes are you taking in school this year?
DM: This year I will be taking Math B and Pre-Calculus, Physics, AP English, AP United States History and Italian Level 12.
EU: What’s your favorite subject?
DM: My favorite subject is easily Global History, I find the past and how far we have advanced more interesting than the future.#
