Kyle Tucker (Photo: Mark Weaver)
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PLAYER PROFILE:
Name: Kyle Tucker
Position: Outfield
School: Plant, Tampa
Ht.:, Wt.: 6-4, 190
Bats/throws: Left/right
College/MLB draft: Florida/Selected No. 5 overall by the Houston Astros.
Key stats: He hit .407 with eight homers, 26 RBI, 29 runs and seven stolen bases and had a slugging percentage of .962. Is the younger brother of Astros rookie outfielder Preston Tucker.
Favorite teacher: Mr. (Ed) Lastra. He was my history teacher my freshman and senior year. He was in the Marines. He had that history background and his son played baseball for Jesuit, so we could talk about history or baseball. His class was entertaining and I like how he interacted with his students.
My reality TV competition: Probably Survivor. I like to figure out ways to solve little puzzles. It’s a competitive show.
Three objects for a deserted island: A knife so I can carve stuff and for hunting, some matches to start a fire and a compass.
Favorite cartoon character: SpongeBob. I grew up watching it and still watch it sometimes.
The last time I forgot how many outs there were: I think it was either freshman or sophomore year. It was in a JV game. I caught a fly ball and didn’t realize it wasn’t the third out and guys were tagging up and scoring.
My inspiration: My brother. Baseball-wise, you can see how he acts and how he handles himself in situations. I also see how he carries himself off the field.
My clutch moment: I think my sophomore year, we were playing Alonzo. We were down five runs in the last inning. We came back to tie it and I ended up scoring from first to home on a double in the gap. I had to run over the catcher to score. We then ended up scoring the winning run and I came on in relief to pitch the last inning.
Hidden talent: I grew up playing soccer and I was pretty good at it. I’m still into watching soccer.
If I had a time machine: I always wanted to go back to the early 1900s, where everyone is at a baseball game.