Wasson senior pitcher Charlie Palmer watched with nervous anticipation as Thunderbirds center fielder Zack Sanchez made a diving catch of a Sierra blooper to end Monday’s game. For Palmer, it meant accomplishing a feat most pitchers only dream of – a perfect game. He struck out 11 in the 5-inning, 10-0 victory. At the plate, he went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. On the season, Palmer has struck out 45 in 261/3 innings and is hitting .657 (23-for-35) with 12 doubles.

How does it feel to throw a perfect game?Incredible. I still haven’t grasped the idea yet. It’s the best thing you can do pitching. It’s not something I tried to do. It just happened. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet. It’s still kind of crazy.

What was going through your mind on the final play of the game?The first thing that happened is I looked at the ball, then I checked the outfielders to see where they were and just hoped somebody could catch it. As soon as it left the bat I was like, “Uh-oh this could be trouble.”

How did your coach and teammates react?We all went crazy. I got bombarded by my team. I got lifted up a couple times. I almost got tackled by my first baseman (Kellon Romberger).

How did you react to the perfect game?I threw fist pumps and ran and gave everybody a hug. I went to my catcher (Jon Gribble) first.

What did you say to Zack Sanchez after the catch?You saved me. I gave him a really big hug because we are really good friends. I thanked him and I think it’s fitting he made the catch.

As a freshman, you reached the sixth inning before a perfect game got away from you – do you remember what that was like?I wasn’t really thinking about it at the time, because I didn’t know at the time I had it and lost it. It wasn’t a really big deal at the time.

How many different pitches do you have?I have four different pitches – fastball, change-up, slider and curve ball.

Which is your best?I’d have to say my slider. I have complete control over it and I can use it in any count. It’s like a little secret weapon, but I don’t use it unless I have to.

Do you play any other positions?I play shortstop.

Which position is your favorite?I’d have to say pitcher because you get in on every play.

Who is the toughest hitter you’ve faced?I would have to say it was Sam (Applin). He’s from Mitchell. He went 5-for-6 against us.

How did you become interested in baseball?My dad’s a really huge baseball fan. I’ve been playing it since I could walk.

If you could give younger ballplayers one piece of advice, what would it be?Listen to your coaches, keep your head up and play the game with respect.

Do you play any other sports?I wrestled before, but I didn’t wrestle this year.

Do you have a favorite baseball movie?I’d have to say “Angels in the Outfield” – between that and “The Sandlot.” I like “The Sandlot” because it’s pretty much how it is when you’re young. Go with some friends, grab some raggedy bases and play pick-up. I like “Angels in the Outfield” because it’s inspiring.

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