Meet AJ Rice, a 6-foot, 170-pound pitcher/shortstop from Pickens High School. Rice is a member of the North Georgia Big 10 cover for the 2026 Georgia Dugout Preview Magazine. Here are 10 questions with him.

Q: What in-game rituals do you have?

A: I don’t have superstitions, I like to have routines as far as things to do to get your mind and body right before a game.

Q: Who is your favorite professional sports team?

A: New York Yankees.

Q: What is your favorite food to eat?

A: Pasta.

Q: Name one thing people may be surprised to learn about you?

A: I love to play golf and disc golf.

Q: Who is your favorite teacher and what is your favorite high school subject?

A: Coach Loudermilk weight training.

Q: Outside of baseball, what is your next hobby?

A: Golf.

Q: What jersey number do you wear and what reason did you choose that number?

A: No. 9 was the only available number my freshman year and I’ve stuck with it.

Q: What do you like the most about playing baseball?

A: Playing with my best friends (family) and the competitiveness.

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?

A: My parents, they’ve raised me and taught me everything about life.

Q: After baseball, what career are you planning to pursue?

A: Something to do with business finance.