Q&A with Chantilly's Lance Balderson
As he watches his baseball days end, Chantilly senior Lance Balderson looks back at his 12 years of playing the sport, and the previous three years of playing 3rd Base on varsity for the Chargers. Balderson also played a key role on the football team for Chantilly and compares his role in both sports . . .
GAMEDAY: How difficult is it adapting from football season to baseball season?
LANCE BALDERSON: There is some difficulty; it takes time to get re-focused on a completely different sport. Training is different for both as well, like football requires more strength and baseball takes a lot of hand-eye coordination.
GD: In your opinion, which sport is more rewarding for you to play?
LB: Football, in ways, has more potential to get out of it. The atmosphere of a home football game pumps the adrenaline and gets me pumped.
GD: What has been the most memorable baseball game for you to play in?
LB: Last year, we played Herndon at home for senior night. I pitched for that game and it we won it with a very low score of 1-0. I felt satisfied because we won it for the seniors in a close game till the very end.
GD: How do you train yourself outside of practice or in the off-season?
LB: Keeping in shape is key. Also, I go to the batting cages frequently, to maintain my focus. I also try to get some other teammates together to catch some fly balls and keep our arms loose.
GD: When and how did you first get involved with the sport?
LB: When I was 5 years old, I played in my first T-ball league. Even at such a young age, I found the game to be enjoyable and exciting. Since that year, I have been playing every season that I could, without ever wanting to back down from baseball.
GD: Would you consider baseball to be your favorite sport?
LB: Without a doubt! For one, I have been involved in baseball for so long, that it would be impossible for me to pull myself away from the game. Also, my older brother, Lucas, has been playing for just as long. I look up to his talent in the sport and use him as my role model. We are both really close and can spend hours throwing the ball around.
GD: Aside from baseball, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
LB: Spending time with friends is something I always enjoy doing. I also love to play poker with the guys! Poker is a fun game I like to play to get my mind off of sports from time to time.
GD: What is your favorite subject in school?
LB: I’d have to say history. I don’t get too excited about many academics, but I like any history class that I take.
GD: What is something about you that most people don’t know?
LB: Well in my early elementary school years, I had a speech impediment. I had trouble with “C’s and “Q’s. For example I couldn’t say “quarter”, it would come out “chauter.”
GD: Are there any odd things you do before game to get yourself focused?
LB: Not particularly, but my teammate Jon Holcomb and I like to trash talk before game and get ourselves it a relaxed mood to play ball.
