Q and A With Lane Adams

Lane Adams sported both a basketball and baseball uniform growing up, however his main love was basketball. He played it up through high school, and was even offered a scholarship to play at Missouri State University. While Adams loved basketball, he decided to pass on the scholarship offer, and sign with the Royals, after they drafted him out of high school. So far it would seem to have been a good decision.

Lane Adams was drafted by the Royals in the 13th round of the 2009 draft. Since the draft, Adams hasn’t played any higher than single A, but if he can start to put everything together he has the ability to move up quickly through the ranks. (Adams is currently batting .357 (22-84) with a home run, and 17 RBI’s, through 22 games played with class A Kane County.)

Lane Adams–outfielder in the Kansas City Royals organization–took the time recently to answer some of my questions:

1.) You played basketball up into high school, and were offered a scholarship from Missouri State University. What made you choose to play baseball with the Royals instead of going to college to play basketball?

When the Royals gave me the chance to play professional baseball I realized it was a great opportunity. Basketball was something I did year in and year out growing up, so it was definitely a tough choice for me to just give it up, but in the end I didn’t want to look back years from now and wonder what could have happened if I had given it a shot.

2.) When did you first become interested in baseball?

I didn’t really get interested in baseball untill my senior year.  I had played my whole life growing up, and the high school team I played for was very competetive, but as far as working on baseball everyday I never got into it that much until I was in high school.  I actually wanted to quit baseball my sophmore year and just concentrate on basketball but my mom said that if I quit baseball I would have to get a job, so I decided not to quit. So I have to thank her for not letting me give it up.

3.) You were drafted by the Royals in the 13th round of the 2009 draft. What was that process like for you? Where were you when you first found out? Initial thoughts?

It was a pretty fun process. My family and I did our best to try and enjoy it. I was in Springfield taking classes and doing summer workouts for Missouri State. After I heard my name called I was exctited but that was short lived when I realized I had to make a choice between playing college basketball or starting a professional career.

4.) You’re currently playing your fourth season of professional baseball. What are your goals for this season? Anything special you’re working on to accomplish those goals?

My goals are to be more consistent. I know baseball is a game where you have your ups and downs, but trying to stay even keel is definitely something I’m trying to do. Last year I would have streaks where I would play really good and I would slow the game down. Then I had stretches where the game seemed to be going really fast and I lost confidence at the plate. Just trying to have a solid season. I Also want to make the playoffs. I haven’t been on a team thats played in the playoffs yet.

5.) When’s the first time you were asked for your autograph? Oddest thing you’ve signed?

The first time I was asked for my autograph was when I was a Sophmore in high school and some people came up to me after a playoff basketball game. I haven’t had to sign anything odd yet.

6.) Favorite food?

Grilled chicken.

7.) Favorite TV show?

Seinfeld.

8.) Favorite thing to do on an off day during the season?

My off days go either way. Sometimes I like to sleep in all day and not get out of bed, and sometimes I like to get up and go to the gym and get a good long workout in.

9.) What’s the most memorable moment of your baseball career thus far?

Probably hitting a triple and grandslam in the same inning earlier this year. Or in 2010 when my friend/teammate Murray Watts hit a walk off home run when we were playing in Idaho Falls.

10.) Lastly, what advice would you give to kids that are just starting out that dream of playing professional baseball one day?

Keep playing. Don’t let anybody tell you you “can’t”. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Play with innocence. The same innocence you had when you were 10 years old playing the game for fun. Lastly, have fun and enjoy the game and don’t take it too seriously. It’s a game, so treat it like one.

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Big thanks to Lane Adams for taking the time to answer some of my questions.

You can follow him on twitter: @LAdamsKC