Lookout speaks to Craig Palidar

By Julie Newell

Sports/Photo Editor

The Lookout Sports Editor Julie Newell recently interviewed LCC baseball catcher/first baseman Craig Palidar. Palidar is a sophomore who is studying business at Lansing Community College.

How long have you been playing baseball?

"Since I was 5 years old, but I have three older brothers that all played, so I grew up all around it before I started playing on a team."

What made you start playing baseball?

"I was kind of born into it. I would always go to my older brothers' games and play catch with their younger brothers and I fell in love with the game."

Who inspires you as an athlete?

"I would say my oldest brother, Jake. He played all the way through college and even got to coach me in high school. Seeing him go through it all and coach me, as well as motivate me through everything on the field and off, has inspired me to give my all for this game."

How does being an athlete make you a better person?

"I feel like being an athlete makes me a social person, which gives me an outgoing personality and (helps me be) very approachable."

What struggles do you face as a college athlete?

"Struggles would definitely be trying to schedule all of my classes I need to fit into my baseball schedule in the fall, with three lifts during the week and a yoga day, plus fall games and practice. In the spring we have to make sure we don't schedule any classes on game days or during practice or weightlifting times, so we have to make sure we schedule our classes on time."

What is the best part about playing baseball?

"When you put in all the work in the off-season and you get to play that first game with your brothers (that) you've been training with; (that) is a great feeling. It's hard to say (what) the best part about baseball (is), but definitely winning in a sport filled with failure is pretty awesome."

Do you have any embarrassing moments in your baseball career?

"I would have to say last year in the regional tournament. I got to second base on a throw home (in conference play I never ran the bases because I'm a catcher, so I would give my helmet to a player running for me) I ran over to Coach (Jordan) Keur to give him my batting gloves and leg guard and I also handed him my helmet and ran back to second base with no helmet on. It was pretty embarrassing. I was also excited because I was my first time playing at the regional tournament."

What are your plans after LCC?

"I am still undecided. I have a few offers to keep playing baseball beyond LCC at this point right now, but since all of the COVID-19 happened, our season got canceled and I will have another year at LCC."