Q and A With Chatham Baseball Player Larry Balkwill

Larry Balkwill - Photo by Hames DiBianco/dbfoto

Chatham’s Larry Balkwill is enjoying a strong summer in the Perfect Game Collegiete Baseball League playing with the Watertown Wizards.  Balkwill was named the PGCBL’s Week 3 Player of the Week, followed by being named a starter at the Perfect Game All-Star Game.

CKSN was able to catch up with Balkwill, who was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2009 and is entering his Junior year. Below you’ll find a question and answer between CKSN and Larry Balkwill:

CKSN: You’re having a good summer in Watertown so far, how do you think this will carry over into your college season at Siena?

Balkwill: I feel like I’ve matured a lot as a player. I’ve learned how to make adjustments on my own and pay attention to my own habits and tendancies. I hope that these skills will reflect my play in the fall and carry over into the spring.

CKSN:  Are you finding it tough to be away from home all year playing baseball? What’s that experience been like?

Balkwill: Being away from home hasn’t been hard on me for the most part. There are of course times when I wish I could just go home because I miss my family and friends, but I wanted to do this since I was 15 so I deal with it. Being away also makes the time when I am home that much better with my friends and family.

CKSN: Obviously not many guys who get drafted to MLB immediately move to the pros, what was that experience like though, and what do you plan to do to reach that level?

Balkwill: Being drafted was one of the best experiences of my life. I still get asked today about what it was like from friends and even other players. Although it was great it doesn’t mean much now. After next season I will be eligible again so I know I have to work hard everyday to try and get drafted again. There are a lot of players out there trying to do the same thing I want to do so I know I have to stay motivated and work hard and hopefully I get the chance to play professional baseball.

CKSN: How has playing at Siena and in the PGCBL improved your game compared to where you were back home?

Balkwill: College baseball is much different from the baseball I played back home when I was in high school. It’s a completely different experience with the regard that your performance on the field reflects your playing time. Coaches are paid to make you a better player and they put their jobs on the line when you go out and play. Being a catcher my defense is very important and that needs to be almost perfect every game. Offensively I also have to be competative and never throw away an at bat. It is very challenging and you must work hard to either maintain your starting position or try to earn a spot on the field. It is very competitive, but a hell of a lot of fun.

Continue to follow the Chatham-Kent Sports Network for more news on Chatham’s Larry Balkwill as he finishes his season with the Perfect Game Collegiete Baseball League’s Watertown Wizards, and as he returns to play for the Seina Saints.