2020 Free Agent outfielder Lane Young
Lane Young
Interview conducted on 2/4/2020
Who are you playing with in 2020, and who have you played with in the past?
2020 – Free Agent laneyoung003@icloud.com
2019 – INSIDIOUS
– STEEL SPORTS
2018 – A&A Utility/ TI Sports/ Mikey
– INSIDIOUS
– ALL OUT / A&A / MIKEN
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Outfield – Right Field
Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Ben Dunn , I’ve really enjoyed watching and learning from Ben , his field awareness and smart decision making is beyond his time , and to add to that he sprays the ball all over the field hands down a threat every single play and every at bat .
Why do you like the game of softball?
I enjoy the competitive atmosphere , no matter the level of ball there is always going to be an intense moment between the lines. It’s introduced me to some of the greatest friends anyone could ask for and it’s taught me to still have that drive to want to be better every single day .
Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Going to have to give it to one of good friends Cody Roton , I met this dude a few years ago , and we clicked ever since . He’s always been a damn good ball player but never had that call up , well I was playing on Insidious in 2018 and we were looking for a 3rd Basemen who could really hit the ball well and I knew exactly who to call . He got his opportunity and never looked back , played on steel the very next year together and he again showed out hitting in the .700 – .800 every tourney all year and then finally got the call up and now plays with Premier out of Ohio . He’s going to do great things so keep an eye out for that guy.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Baby AC – Given to me by J – Ferg and Bells from Ohio , they were my teammates on A&A and I wore 03 and A. Collins is one of the best to do it and I’ve always been a fan of the way he plays the game so I tried imitate the way he played so they thought it would be funny to go with Baby AC
What is your height and weight?
6’2
200 lbs
Where do you call home?
Marshall, Texas
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Most off weekends during the season I take it easy and just relax around the house or I am out shooting guns or some type of outdoor activity.
During the off season (Winter) I’ll play a few fun tournaments around the house or I’m in the woods hunting .
What do you do for a living?
I work for Lone Star Roof Revivers
We specialize in low and High pressure chemical cleaning on residential and commercial properties,
Wood Decks
Metal Roofs
Brick Walls
Concrete Etc.
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played just about every sport in high school , my go to was basketball , I didn’t blow up any radars so college didn’t happen for me .
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I grew up watching Lyf Nimmo play with his OG ASP team , as I was in high school focusing on baseball and other sports , I used to actually make fun of softball players , well they would hit every Thursday so I would go and shag balls for them I couldn’t help but get in there and take a few hacks and I was instantly hooked , well years later Art who was the coach and sponsor of A&A UTILITY , he texted me asking what my plans were for the upcoming year and I really had no plan but to continue to build and learn , he said you ready to give up local ball and try out this CUSSSA thing , I jumped all over it and said “HELL YEAH”
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Consistency, and true knowledge for the game . When playing down you’ll have a few weak links and easier teams . When playing conference everyone and every team is going to be loaded from top to bottom . And I love playing against the best there is makes for a better game almost like fighting fire with fire .
Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
That’s a tough one I believe my style is a little different than most ,but if I was going to try and be like anyone I would say Ben Dunn or Andrew Collins those guys have mastered the outfield and hitting who wouldn’t want to idolize the way they play
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Got the chance to go play in the Border Battle in 2019 in Michigan and we were up against Team USA , as I have a few good buddies on that team and many of those guys I’ve looked up to over the years . Long story short , my first at bat was a homerun over left center on this massive stadium . Just the entire atmosphere with hundreds of people in the stands and the stadium lights , I was like a little kid in that moment . Truly was an awesome experience for myself .
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Lyf Nimmo , he’s been so close to me and my family , that guy hands down is the reason I play this game and have met the people I have met , who have become my own friends through him . He’s a class act on and off the field , without him I wouldn’t be the man I am today and sure as heck would not have had the opportunities I have been given . Thanks Lyf for everything.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Be a student to the game at all times, soak it all in and never take any helpful advice for granted , slow down and be patient , when the time comes your opportunity will present itself . And you never know who’s watching so don’t act like a jack ass when you think no one is around . Be respectful and respect those who have came before you and those who will follow .
What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Bottom hand – Drop one pinky
Top Hand – Drop two fingers over my bottom hand
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
A lot of BP and field work , I keep to a strict routine when it comes to hitting BP . I’ve learned a lot of different ways to improve myself over the years so I’ve kinda bunched all of that into one of my own styles and it’s working slowly but surely .
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
TEXAS A&M AGGIES
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
I don’t like changing bats or batting gloves
I do the same walk up routine every single at bat if I don’t do it I feel lost and confused .
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Like A Rock By Bob Seger
Thunderstruck By AC/DC
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Those guys up there do a pretty good job of staying organized for the most part , I think better recruiting for some of the younger guys to get a chance to play up would be cool to see , there is hundreds of guys who could make of given the opportunity
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Snowball Classic , it’s all you can hit homeruns and it attracts players from all over the US , it’s one big party and just an all around good time so come out and give it a try at least once .
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Big League Dreams Mansfield , the turf is fantastic and whom ever is in charge of field maintenance for mowing and grooming , they deserve a raise it’s always mowed and has cool designs in the grass , never really get any bad hops out there it’s smooth all the way through .
Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
That’s easy Whataburger . No explanation needed
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I can’t remember one specific time but just about any time someone bust it running around wet bases or just falls is pretty dang funny almost every time .
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I am a bit of nerd when it comes to firearms and ammunition, my dad and myself have spent countless hours reloading and working with guns , I am still novice as I am learning more and more from my father one day I plan to carry on his name and legacy and take over doing what he truly has passion for .
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