Tanner Lorenz is a division 1 college baseball player for Southeastern Louisiana University. He is from North Dakota, played Junior College baseball at Iowa Western, and is currently a pitcher for SLU. He hits 90-93 miles per hour routinely, and several big league teams are interested in him. This interview was done through e-mail.
Kevin Bertha: So you are at Southeastern Lousiana University by the way of Iowa Western, but you are from North Dakota. Don't you consider that an unusual path to travel in baseball?
Tanner Lorenz: As for North Dakota kids, YES. But for me, baseball has always been my first priority and I think for any player, going to a good D1 school on a full scholarship is huge.
KB: What is the hardest you have ever thrown? I know you throw 90+ MPH, did you ever hit 96, 97 MPH?
TL: 95.
KB: What pitches do you throw? What pitches do you throw in certain counts?
TL: Four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, slider, circle change-up, curveball. My best pitch is my change-up, besides my fastball. I can throw that (change-up) any time I want. My slider is my pitch I throw ahead in counts and my curveball is for getting an offspeed pitch over the plate.
KB: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced so far?
TL: Seminole State's catcher that went in the first round (Joe Patterson).
KB: Who is your favorite pitcher and team to watch in the Majors?
TL: My favorite pitcher is C.C. (Sabathia of the New York Yankees). I like the Cubs, unfortunately.
KB: Who has helped you the most in your baseball career?
TL: My parents and family. My dad played pro baseball so he has helped me a lot. But both my parents have made my life easier by helping me in baseball and life.
KB: Why do you love baseball?
TL: I love baseball because I always feel confident and like to play the game.
KB: What is your major in college?
TL: Sports Science.
KB: What is the hardest class you have been taking for that major?
TL: Haven't taken any yet, haha.
KB: What's best about college?
TL: Being one of the few athletes to be on a full ride at a D-1 university and having a great school that supports baseball.
KB: What's worst about college?
TL: The practices are long and hard.
KB: Do you like to throw inside or outside?
TL: Outside.
KB: What major league teams are interested in you? I know you were talking to an Indians' scout one day.
TL: Probably the Twins, they are close to home and have a good minor league program.
KB: Did you play any other positions in high school?
TL: Third base.
KB: What drill or workout do you believe helped you the most?
TL: Towel Drill.
KB: Any advice for young baseball players who want to go to the majors?
TL: Take it one step at a time. Don't expect anyone to give you any breaks, even if you are their stud pitcher.
KB: Thanks for the interview!
TL: Thank you.
20 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete