Columbus Pitcher Aces Series
By John Carroll
Columbus Community News
Kyle Carter is one of the leaders of the Columbus Northern all-star team that recently won the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Penn. As a pitcher, Carter went 4-0 at the LLWS, allowing only two runs in 19 innings while striking out 30. His four wins set a record for the most wins ever by one pitcher in the LLWS. A talented hitter as well, Carter batted .313 in the series and belted two home runs.
CCN Editor John Carroll has followed the Columbus team since it was formed in June and has interviewed Carter at various times during the championship run. Here are excerpts from their conversations.
Kyle Carter
Age: 12
Parents: Richard & Cindy Carter
Team: Columbus Northern Little League All-Stars, World Champions
Q. Fabulous display of pitching in the Little League World Series. In which game did you have your best stuff?
A. Against Japan
Q. What pitch was working best for you?
A. Both pitches, my fastball and curveball.
Q. Were you ever nervous on the mound?
A. I was never nervous.
Q. When did you think your team had a chance to win the whole thing?
A. When we got to Williamsport and watched the other teams play.
Q. You befriended Japan's star player Go Matsumoto. How did you fair against him in ping-pong?
A. He beat me twice. I beat him once.
Q. All season you wore helmets with face masks, but at the Little League World Series you were given helmets without face masks. Did that affect your hitting any?
A. No, not really. I didn't hit the ball great at Williamsport, but it wasn't because of the helmets.
Q. What kind of bat did you use in the Little League World Series?
A. I used an Anderson. I tried a Stealth bat one time against Japan and struck out, so I went back to the Anderson.
Q. The fence was deeper at Williamsport by 25 feet. Did you feel like it was harder to hit a home run?
A. Not really. It wasn't that much difference. You still just have to hit the ball hard.
Q. What's the wildest thing that's happened to you since you won the World Series?
A. The celebration at the Civic Center. I didn't know that many people would be there.
Q. How did the team react to the loss to Illinois in game 3 of pool play? It was your first and only loss as a team.
A. We had to shake it off. We knew we were still in it.
Q. At region, you said you didn't care for the Florida players too much. What about at Williamsport? Of the 15 other teams, was there any team you didn't like?
A. We liked all of them.
Q. Do you have any superstitions?
A. I have to wear this pin inside my hat (of a cross inside a baseball). The words read: "Watch over this player."
Q. You guys played a lot of ping-pong at region and Williamsport. Who are the best ping-pong players on the team?
A. Probably J.T. Phillips and Matthew Hollis.
Q. What's up with the crooked hat look?
A. I've been doing it all of my life.
Q. Did your pitching arm ever get sore?
A. My arm hurts at random times, but not too bad.
Q. Most people don't know that you broke your left thumb in the district championship game vs. American Little League. How did it happen and how did the thumb hold up?
A. It happened during a play at the plate. I got it x-rayed and was told it was broken above the growth plate. I had a mobile hard cast that I could take on and off. I could hit, but I couldn't throw. It healed real fast though.
Q. What sport are you playing next?
A. I'm playing golf right now, and then basketball at Midland Middle School, if I make the team.
Q. Where will you play baseball in the spring?
A. I'll probably play travel ball.
Q. Which do you prefer - Coke or Pepsi?
A. Pepsi
Q. Who is your favorite band or musical artist?
A. T.I.
Q. Who is your favorite actress?
A. Jennifer Aniston