Lower Merion’s Kyle Patlove is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
A senior third baseman, Patlove was a productive hitter for the Aces last spring, batting .350 with an on-base percentage of .467 and 18 RBI’s. A versatile performer, he also pitched for the Aces as a junior, and his talents helped the Lower Merion squad achieve a wining (11-9) record. He received second team All-Main Line honors last spring, and as a sophomore pitcher helped the Aces reach the District 1 playoffs for the first time in more than a decade. Off the field, Patlove is an editor with the Lower Merion student newspaper, The Merionite. In the fall, Patlove will be playing baseball for Union (N.Y.) College, and majoring in history or political science.
Q: What do you think has been the most important thing you’ve learned recently regarding hitting?
A: I think that it’s really important to stay relaxed and confident as a hitter. It may sound cliche but you’re not able to make huge adjustments in the batter’s box so it’s important to trust in your abilities and training. Thinking too much is what gets you hurt.
Q: What were you hoping to achieve this spring? What aspect of your game did you work on the most in the off-season?
A: We were hoping to build upon our recent success in the Central League and continue to solidify ourselves as a team to be taken seriously. Personally I’ve spent a lot of time trying to develop velocity and be more consistent with my off-speed pitches on the mound.
Q: What are your thoughts about the cancellation of the spring baseball season because of the COVID-19 situation? Prior to the cancellation, how did you see your leadership role on the team as a key returning senior?
A: It’s really unfortunate but I think that there are bigger things in life than sports. This was a decision nobody wanted to make, and if it means we’ll be back on the field again soon then it had to be done. In terms of leadership I saw an opportunity to emulate the actions of previous upperclassmen who helped to further develop the Lower Merion program. Our expectations as a team have completely shifted over the course of my four years at LM and that has to be attributed to the mindset of the guys before me.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in baseball. What is your favorite position? Who have been your biggest baseball mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you about baseball?
A: I’ve been playing baseball since before I can remember, maybe 5 years old, and I’ve always loved pitching. Being able to set the pace and controlling the flow of the game is something not many athletes are able to do, outside of pitchers. My biggest mentors are my coaches at the Philadelphia Reds organization and Coach Gunn [Lower Merion head coach Tim Gunn]. They’ve taught me the discipline and mentality necessary for taking my game to the next level.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience as a Lower Merion baseball player?
A: Definitely being able to experience our first district playoff game in a dozen years. It didn’t turn out the way we’d hope but it was nice to know that we contributed to changing the course of the program and changed people’s opinions about baseball at LM.
Q: Who is your favorite baseball player? What is your favorite baseball park?
A: Probably Trevor Bauer. He’s innovative and unconventional which causes lots of old-school baseball fans to dislike him. My dad and I have visited numerous stadiums across the United States and our favorite park is Camden Yards in Baltimore.
Fun facts – Kyle Patlove
Favorite book: The Great Gatsby.
Favorite author: F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Favorite TV show: The West Wing.
Favorite movie: Midnight in Paris.
Favorite athlete: Kevin Hayes.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: “Anything loud.”
Favorite team: Philadelphia Phillies.
Favorite place to visit: Chicago.
Favorite pre-game meal: Grilled cheese with bacon.
Person I most admire, and why: “John McCain because I admire leadership and dedication and nobody has demonstrated as much of those two qualities as him.”
Family members: parents Mark and Wendi, sister Kasie, brother-in-law Dan.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
