Earlier this week, Great Lakes Post talked with Canton baseball player Liam Radomski about how his season is going and about his plans to play college baseball.
How is the Season going for you?“I think the season is going great so far! I have started out pretty hot at the plate and sound behind it. Through 4 games I have thrown out 3 runners and have a .625 batting average. It is early, but I’d take that by the end of the year! I was honored to be selected as one of two captains and take that leadership position very seriously. We have a very young team, but I think we will surprise a lot of people this year.”
What’s it like being a catcher? “There is no better position! I think catcher is the toughest position in baseball because it requires you to be laser-focused on every single pitch as well and also help the pitcher manage his game while providing that vocal leadership for the infield and the rest of the team. As a catcher, you are involved literally in every play and can make a huge impact on your team’s success. It can be a very grueling position, where you constantly have to block balls, frame pitches, keep mentally focused and run all over the field to make sure bases are backed up. I love it all.”
How did you first get into baseball? “I first really got into baseball when I was 4 years old. I just grew up in a baseball family with my dad and grandpa having played in college. As a young kid, I would go outside with my dad every day to play catch and hit for hours. It was then on to T-ball, coach pitch and recreational leagues before I started travel ball at 10U.”
Did you play any other sports? “I’ve also played basketball and football starting from my freshman year for Canton High School. I was a 4-year letter winner in football (linebacker/tight end) and the 6th man on the basketball team that was ranked as high as #4 in the state this year. Being a three-sport athlete is challenging with a packed, year-round schedule but it showed me that you can succeed in the classroom and sports if you work hard enough.”
Do you want to play baseball in college? “Playing baseball in college has been a dream of mine from almost the beginning. I’ve followed the University of Michigan’s team and enjoy watching all the college games I can get on television. Playing with and against guys in high school and summer teams who have made the jump has made me want it even more. I’m uncommitted now but determined to find the college that is the best fit for me.”
How do you mentally prepare for a game? I mentally prepare for a game by taking a nap a few hours before the game, make sure I get a good meal in and listen to music. It clears my mind and lets me visualize success. If it is an away game, I like to sleep on the bus ride with my headphones in and take that last round of batting practice just before the game to feel more confident about my swing.”
What has baseball taught you? “Baseball has taught me that nothing is handed to you and that you always have to constantly stay working if you want to become any better. Baseball has been a very humbling sport that has shown me many ups and downs, and that if you do not improve your game every day, then people will quickly catch up with you. Baseball has also taught me the importance of the team, and how you need everyone working hard to succeed.”
What are your goals for this season? “My goals for the season is to have a great year as a team, and win our first District championship since I have been here. My goals personally are to improve my craft behind the plate and to become a constant line drive hitter to every part of the field.”
What will you miss about high school baseball? “I am going to miss a lot of things about high school baseball, mostly my coaches and teammates who I have created an everlasting relationship with during my time at Canton. I am also going to miss the feeling of playing against friends and arch rivals like Plymouth and Salem.”