Get To Know: Outfielder LaMonte Wade

LaMonte Wade turned 22 years old on New Years Day. He was the Twins ninth- round pick just last year out and had a terrific pro debut in Elizabethton before joining the Cedar Rapids Kernels for their deep playoff run. Recently, he spent some time chatting with us, and letting us Get To Know him.

Wade grew up in Maryland and was one of the best baseball players in the state coming out of high school. He went undrafted and stayed home, choosing to play for the Maryland Terrapins. He played mostly first base his first two college seasons. Coming into his junior season, he looked to be a Top 5 type of pick and was playing his more natural centerfield, but a broken hamate bone cost him a lot of playing time. He returned late in the year and played well. The Twins were fortunate to be able to select him in the ninth round.

He began his pro career in Elizabethton. In 64 games, he hit .312/.428/.506 (.934) with eight doubles, five triples and nine home runs. He was also 12-13 in stolen base attempts. However, in his final 31 games with the E-Twins, he hit .333/.478/.514 (.993) with three doubles, two triples and four home runs. One of the most impressive things, however, was that in that time, he walked 31 times and struck out just 13 times.

Following the Elizabethton season, Wade moved up and played in four games for Cedar Rapids. He also played in the outfield for the Kernels throughout their playoff run and had a couple of big hits.

Thank you to LaMonte Wade for taking time to give us such thoughtful answers.

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Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in Maryland, who was your favorite team to follow? Who were some of your favorite players?

SS: You had a fantastic high school career. What are some of your best memories from those days?

SS: You made the decision to stay at home and play at the University of Maryland. Was that a difficult decision?

SS: How frustrating was it to miss weeks of your junior season with injury?

SS: Did you have the chance to speak with scouts before the draft? Did you have a sense for where you might be drafted? What was your interaction with the Twins scout?

SS: The Twins took you in the 9th round. How did you find out that you had been drafted? How busy was your phone at that moment?

SS: What was the adjustment like for you from the amateur/college game to the professional game, both on and off the field?

SS: You put up remarkable numbers at Elizabethton, walking a lot and showing power. Then you got the opportunity to play with the Cedar Rapids Kernels in their playoff run. How would you assess your professional debut?

SS: At this very early stage of your career, what would you say is your strength?

SS: What is the area of your game that you would like to spend time working to improve?

SS: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career?

SS: How has the offseason been? What do you do when you’re not playing baseball?

SS: At what point do you start your preparation for the 2016 season?

SS: Favorite Baseball Movie?

Again, a big Thank You to LaMonte Wade. He is certainly one to watch in 2016! Feel free to comment and discuss below.

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