The Prep Baseball Report Mississippi scouting staff recently sat down with Warren Central third baseman and right-handed pitcher, Shane Lewis to discuss his recent commitment to Mississippi State University. Below is a transcript of our question and answer session:

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?
Lewis: The recruiting process for me was made simple when Mississippi State offered. It’s the perennial powerhouse of the SEC, and I knew that’s where I wanted to be.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision? 
Lewis: The location definitely played a factor. There’s no other place like Starkville, just the environment of the town and campus made it easy for me to make my decision.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Lewis: During one of my baseball games this summer. And at a PBR showcase later during the summer.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
Lewis: I would have to say the best player I’ve faced in MS would have to be Ben Brantley from Hernando. You can tell he has the “IT” factor. His at-bat’s are fun to watch, he battles no matter the count or situation. Not to mention we did not get him out once in all his at bats in the First round of the playoffs last year against us.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Lewis: When I was called up to play varsity as a freshman.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Lewis: A place where I could be part of one big family, and get a quality education, and I believe that both of these can be attained at Mississippi State.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?
Lewis: The ability to play anywhere on the field my coaches need me to play. If there’s a spot that needs to be filled, the coaches know I am the guy they can count on.

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?
Lewis: Learning how to flush the negatives and take it one pitch at a time. I’m hard on myself because I know I’m capable of performing better.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Lewis: Always be the first guy in and the last guy to leave. When everyone else is sleeping and doing other stuff, use that time to get better. Always study the game, always practice TNT’s (Takes no Talent), always hustle, always back your teammates up, and always stay positive.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
Lewis: I’m a dual-sport athlete so playing football in the fall definitely helps me to keep my legs and arm in shape for spring.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Lewis: What I like the most about Mississippi State is its atmosphere. I knew the first time going to Starkville, and walking through the campus, that it was where I wanted to be. The key factors in making my decision were the coaching staff, I believe that Mississippi State has the best coaching staff in all of college baseball.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Lewis: Colleges such as Southern Miss, Ole Miss and Southeastern Louisiana were on the list, but Mississippi State is where I knew I wanted to go.