Published: July 24, 2008 11:50 pm            

West follows in brother’s footsteps

BLUEFIELD — Lance West is a man of few words. He lets his actions speak for him.

The Bluefield Orioles outfielder has spoken volumes during his first season in professional baseball with the Rookie-level club in the Appalachian League. In 25 games, he has five home runs and 16 RBIs and has shown his ability to produce a big bat when he needs to.

He admits that his most recent appearances have not been as productive as possible, as his batting average has dipped to .219. But self-assured, he knows what he is capable of.

“Ups and downs,” West said. “Not lately, I haven’t been (playing well). But it’ll turn around, just like it always does.”

West comes from Shreveport, La. His first experience on the diamond came with tee ball at the age of six. Like many other players, West was introduced to the sport by his father.

“My dad’s a big baseball guy,” West said. “As soon as I could play, I was playing. My little brother started just as early.”

West attended Captain Shreve High School. As a senior, he got to experience the ultimate triumph in the Louisiana high school level — winning the Class AAAA State Championship.

“It was a blast. It was fun,” West said. “It was the first state championship in the school’s history.”

West was drafted out of high school by the Texas Rangers, but chose not to go. Instead he went to two junior colleges for two years before being taken by the Baltimore Orioles this year.

“My brother got drafted in the first round the year before,” West said. “I kind-of knew I was getting drafted. I got picked up. And now I’m here doing my thing.”

Lance’s brother Sean West was taken by the Florida Marlins and is currently playing for the Advanced Class-A Jupiter Hammerheads of the Florida State League.

“It’s kind-of crazy,” Lance said. “We can talk about some similar stuff. He’s definitely a little bit different than me with him being a first-rounder.”

Sean is currently 3-4 with a 3.42 earned run average in 13 games this season with the Hammerheads. Both brothers have experienced successes and struggles in 2008. They know whatever one brother is experiencing, they will have the other to lean on.

“It’s kind-of cool whenever you’re struggling to go and call your brother and have him help you out and stuff,” Lance said. “Same way with me, whenever either of us are struggling. It’s nice.”

While Sean has adjusted to life in Jupiter, Fla., Lance has done the same in Bluefield.

“I love it,” Lance said. “It’s a great place. I love the field. Great weather, it’s nice. I love the scenery.”

Lance has come to enjoy playing at historic Bowen Field. But there are a couple things he would not mind changing.

“I love it, great field,” Lance said. “Batter’s eye could be a little more green. It kind-of gets in the way a little bit. But it’s nice.”

Lance was also very appreciative of the fans that come out to see him and the rest of the Baby Birds on a nightly basis. He just wishes there were more of them.

“Great fans,” Lance said. “We could use a little more, but beggars can’t be choosers I guess.”

One thing he did not want to change was the weather. The summer of 2008 has been mostly dry compared to the past. Lance does not mind that one bit.

“It’s really nice because where I’m from it rains a lot,” he said. “I got used to it.”

Lance has also gotten used to receiving instruction from manager Orlando Gomez. Gomez brings 44 years of experience in baseball and he knows he can learn from every moment.

“Great manager,” Lance said. “Definitely knows what he’s talking about.”

Through the instruction of Gomez and the other coaches, Lance believes he can make significant strides in his career. That is what he wants to accomplish during his time in Bluefield.

“Just become a better baseball player,” Lance said. “Learn from the coaches and become a better baseball player.”

Lance said he has learned, “What I guess any person, draft guy learns. You start getting into the minors and getting into the system and learning how things go. Working out every day, playing baseball every single day, just getting used to it.”

Maybe one day baseball will become a grind to the young outfielder from Shreveport, La. But not now.

“Not yet, it’s a blast,” Lance said. “I love doing it.”

— Contact Jed Lockett

at jlockett@bdtonline.com

        

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