Interview with Patrick Layng
Patrick Layng played for Coach Scannell and the Trinity baseball team from the years, 1996-1999 . Below is an interview I conducted on his background with baseball and his time here at Trinity:
1.) Where are you from? How long did you play baseball? What got you into baseball?
I am from Ramsey, NJ and I played baseball from age 5-21. I got started because my oldest brother (Geroge) played.
2.) What made you choose to play baseball at Trinity?
I decided to attend Trinity because it was a great school and the academics. I was lucky enough to find baseball there as well.
3.) What position did you play here at Trinity? What number did you wear?
I was a catcher and a closer. I wore the jersey#5.
4.) What kind of bat did you hit with? If you used different bats which one did you prefer to use and why?
For my first 3 years, I used an Easton aluminum bat. During my senior year we switched to a wooden bat. I preferred aluminum because the ball comes off the bat more quickly.
5.) Did you have any game day superstitions? If so explain what they were and did any of them involve your baseball bat or being on deck?
I got a double at my first at bat during my first game at trinity. That day I was wearing a maroon ¾ sleeve shirt. I wore that same shirt for every game the remainder of my time at Trinity.
6.) Over the years how have you seen batter’s ability to hit the ball change with regulations on bats. Along with the 2011 implementation of the BBCOR test? Why do you think these regulations were made by the NCAA?
I think the technology of baseball bats made it easier for players to get hits. Which in turn made it dangerous for infielders and pitchers. The rules should have been implemented sooner.
7.) Would you be a supporter of the NCAA only allowing wooden bats to be used by baseball players? Why or why not?
I am surprised they aren’t insisting on that now. I think it is dangerous to allow players at that level to use aluminum bats. It also is a disservice to them because the next level up, the minor leagues, requires wooden bats.
8.) Either having kids that play baseball or coaching baseball how have you seen the game change offensively since you played, does that bat play a major role?
Yes, I coach both rec and travel little league (this year age 11U) and feel kids are not as good of hitters as they could be because they don’t have to be. The bats do a lot of the work for them.
9.) Do you feel that batting regulations and bats having to pass tests are hurting baseball or helping baseball?
Over the long run it will help baseball.
10.) Do you think the teams you played with here at Trinity had a better offensive game then teams after? Why or why not?
Kids have gotten bigger and stronger. The training has become much more widespread so they absolutely are stronger than we were.
11.) Do you think the game of baseball has changed, not just here at Trinity but in general? Explain why or why not?
People now specialize in baseball year-round and players are developing those skills much more extensively at a much younger age. This without questions changes the game.