Interview: John Lorenz

John Lorenz was listed as the No. 8 player in Illinois’ class of 2008 as a shortstop.  He signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Michigan in November 2007. In his junior year, he hit .422 and broke Lincoln-Way East’s records with nine home runs and 45 RBI. Lorenz is the captain of both the varsity baseball and basketball teams, all while being on the honor roll.  He was named the MVP of  LWE’s 2007 conference and regional championship team.  He was also offered a spot on the Under Armour Pre-Season All-America roster, joining approximately 180 other high school players that were selected by Baseball Factory and Team One Baseball scouts, as well as some Major League scouts.

How did you get started playing ball?

My dad played in the minors so, when I was little he just started doing stuff in the backyard with me.  Eventually, I played in-house and travel and just went from there.

What minor league club was your dad on?

Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants

What high school do you attend?

Lincoln-Way East [in Frankfort, Ill.]

What are your plans for next year?

I’m going to the University of Michigan.

Do you know what you want to study?

Business or economics.

How is it playing in the Midwest, versus elsewhere in the country?

Well, we really have to adapt a lot.  We don’t have the full season of warm weather like down South does, so we have to hit inside a lot and work out more instead of just playing.  It’s a little different.

Would you say that you have different scouting coverage in the Midwest in comparison with other areas (like the South) because of the weather situation?

Maybe, because they probably get more looks down South because they’re outside more.

How is it playing in the CFSL?

It’s a lot of fun.  It’s a great time. There are a lot of great players.

How is it having a scout in your dugout that is able to give you first-hand feedback?

It’s great. [They] give a lot of great advice and make you feel comfortable.

What kind of advice have you gotten from them?

Little things, like if I’m doing something wrong with my swing.

Do you enjoy hitting?  Pitchers are sometimes overlooked for their hitting ability.

I like hitting a lot.  That’s what I’m doing in college, I’m playing short stop.

What are your aspirations?

Well, definitely my goal is to play professional baseball, so I’m just going to work as hard as I can and try to achieve that.

Do you have a particular team that you’d love to play for?

I like the Cubs.  Not just because they’re going to make the playoffs. [laughs] I really like them.

Do you have any other hobbies besides baseball?

I play basketball too, and I used to play volleyball.

Do you currently play for your high school?

Yes.

Is it difficult to play two varsity sports at once?

Yeah, conditioning and stuff overlaps.  It’d be a lot easier just playing one, but I really enjoy playing both.

check out our video profile of John Lorenz