Repeat performance

Only someone who stood out on a team of standouts could garner The Gazette's Baseball Player of the Year honor two years in a row, but Air Academy senior Dexter Price did just that. The Auburn signee went 10-0 on the season and was one of the hard-hitting team's better hitters, making him the 2008 honoree.

How does it feel to be the Player of the Year two years in a row?
It's very exciting, I wasn't expecting it but when I got the call I felt like it was an honor to receive it twice because not too many people have done it.

What was it like to play in the state championship game?
I was ecstatic. It was such a high-intensity game and the fans were cheering and standing the whole time. No matter what happened our crowd was very supportive and they were behind us the entire time.

Why did you choose Auburn and what position will you play there?
I liked the coaching staff down there a lot. They also have great facilities there and I have a lot of family down in that area. I will pitch and try out to play first base when I'm not pitching.

What do you want to study at Auburn?
I want to get into business management. I've always wanted to be a chef, so maybe I could be a restaurant manager. I like to cook lots of things, especially dessert foods.

What was the key to your success on the mound?
I just try not to think too much and go out there and make my pitches. But I knew that if I gave up some runs my teammates would back me up so I pitched without a lot of pressure on me.

Who do you model your pitching style after?
I don't really model after anyone specific, but I'd have to say Randy Johnson. He is tall like me and has just dominating stuff.

What is your favorite pitch to throw?
It depends how I'm feeling. I just added a change-up this season and it was fun to watch guys swing through it. I'm going to try to add a two-seamer or something with some movement when I get to Auburn next year.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of baseball?
I like to hang out with my friends and do outdoor activities and play any kind of sports.

Why did you get into baseball instead of any other sports?
I've always liked baseball better. I've been playing since I was 3 years old. My dad is a big baseball guy and baseball has always been very natural to me.

The team had many dramatic comefrom-behind wins this season, including in the playoffs. Why was this team able to come back so many times?
Our team just had a lot of heart. We trusted each other so much because we have been playing together for six years now. We were always focused to start the game, but we seemed to put it into gear in the late innings when we needed it the most.

What was your favorite moment from this season?
Beating Chatfield to get to the state title game. It was a huge accomplishment for us to make it to the championship after getting to the final four last year.

How much fun was this year's playoff run?
It was more fun than I can explain. It was the most exciting three weeks of my life.

You seem like a very respectful and well-mannered guy. Do your parents get the credit for that?
Ever since I was born my parents taught me to say "Yes sir," and "Yes ma'am." as a sign of respect, and if I didn't say it I would get in trouble.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
Probably a T-bone steak.

Glenn Millhauser won Coach of the Year for the second straight year. How big of an influence has he been on you?
He has been a major influence on every part of my game. He has always helped me figure out what to do and what not to do and he is the type of coach that is always encouraging his players.

What is something you accomplished in your four years of baseball that surprised you?
I'd have to say making the All-State Game as a junior. Not a lot of players do that and it's something I'll remember forever.

Your youngest brother Sawyer is 9 and plays baseball. What advice would you give him?
Just to work hard and don't give up. Baseball is such a mental game and if you can get through the tough stretches you will be successful.

What three things would you take with you onto a desert island?
My baseball glove, my iPod and my baseball team if I can count them as one thing. They always make me laugh and we've had so many great times together.