WHITTIER, Calif. (July 29, 2023) - This week, we are featuring Lew Rice, the reigning SCIAC Newcomer of the Year. Following the 2023 season, the Walkerton, Va. native also was named All-SCIAC First Team, D3Baseball.com Second Team All-Region and ABCA/Rawlings Third Team All-Region.
In his first season of college baseball, Rice was a feared hitter, hitting .396 with an OBP of .469 and a .695 slugging percentage. He tied for second in the conference in hits, for third in slugging and triples and for fourth in doubles, placed fourth in batting average, fifth in OBP and sixth in RBI and stolen bases.
He clubbed eight home runs, knocked in 36 runs, swiped 10 bases and reached base in 37 contests with 16 multi-hit performances. Rice also had five outfield assists!
We had the privilege to talk walk-up songs, future plans, SCIAC baseball and more with him.
Here is our Q&A with Whittier's star outfielder:
WHITTIER COLLEGE ATHLETICS (WCA): How were you able to have the season you did after not playing organized baseball the year before? How did you stay in shape during the pandemic?
LEW RICE (LR): I lost one year due to Covid and then took a year to work before I decided to come back this past season. When I decided to come back, I knew I wanted to put my best foot forward and work towards having a successful season. Early in the year,
Nathan Sherman and I set up times to work out every morning to put in extra work. We really held each other accountable, and I think that work really paid off for both of us this season. Most importantly, I felt that Coach Rizzo and our coaching staff had a lot of belief in me and allowed me to go out there every game and be myself.
WCA: What did you miss most about playing baseball during your time away?
LR: I missed everything about the game of baseball. I missed being around a team, competing, and working every day towards a goal of winning games.
WCA: Favorite part of playing in the SCIAC?
LR: The best part about playing in the SCIAC is the level of competition that we face week in and week out. I don't think you'll face this many high level programs anywhere else in the country at the D3 level.
WCA: What are you focusing on this off-season to come back even better next year?
LR: I am transitioning to play center field this upcoming season, so I have been really focused on that and the responsibility that comes with it. I have been playing summer baseball in Wilmington, North Carolina and trying to get as many reps as I can at the position.
WCA: What are your passions outside of baseball?
LR: Outside of baseball, I do a lot of video and photography work. I got into it in high school and fell in love with everything that comes with it. The places it takes you, the people you meet and, most importantly, the enjoyment I get from getting able to be creative. I also love being outdoors and being on the water. I grew up on the water, and it has always been a big part of my life.
WCA: How were you able to attract such a large Instagram following?
LR: I have been lucky enough to work with some high level athletes with big platforms that have shared my work. It is really cool to see your work get promoted at a level like that from guys I grew up watching.
WCA: Will Mariah Carey's "Fantasy" be one of your at-bat songs next season again? It's a banger, and the people want to know!
LR: I like to switch it up every year. It was a tribute to one of my favorite movie series, Rush Hour, but I think I'll find another good one for this season.
WCA: What are your plans after college?
LR: I plan on continuing to pursue the creative I've been doing, but I also see myself staying involved with baseball and other sports. I hope to be able to combine them in some way and keep both passions alive.
WCA: Anything you'd like to add?
LR: I would like to mention how much my experience at Whittier and being a part of the baseball program has meant to me. I could not imagine if I had not decided to come back and play this past season. I have made a lot of lifelong friends in my short time at the school, and I appreciate all the support the school and my team have shown me. It has meant a lot to me to be accepted into this community after coming from over 2500 miles to a school that I did not know much about prior to coming. There are so many amazing people that work at or attend Whittier College, and I am proud to represent them each time I take the field and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
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