Heights National LL: League Alumni's

(www.billingsgazette.com)

Greg Steffanich calls Blake Loran the "consummate Royal."

What does that mean precisely?

"He's exactly what we look for in a kid," Steffanich, the Billings Royals' third-year coach, said. "He comes in every day, he's never late, he's always prepared, he doesn't ***, he doesn't moan about anything. He's a tough kid."

Loran is also the team's most complete hitter, combining deceptive power with a gap-to-gap mentality that allows him to use the entire field from the batter's box.

But leadership is something Loran takes most serious. As a team captain, the first baseman puts a lot of stock in doing whatever he can to make his team better.

Following Thurday's win, the Royals were 34-17-1 overall and 16-3 in the Eastern AA, which is good for first place. So Loran has certainly done his part.

"I definitely try to lead by example," Loran said. "I'm not one of those guys that's going to get in your face. It comes down to my work ethic and how I approach the game. I think it helps the team out and shows what it means to be a Royal."

Loran's ability on the diamond might come as a surprise when you consider his pedigree.

His father, Keith, is one of the most decorated bowlers Billings has produced in the last three decades.

In fact, Loran's dad became the first Montanan in history to bowl a perfect game at the national tournament. That was in 1986, some five years before Blake was even born.

Though he was groomed for it, Loran never truly followed in those footsteps.

"I tried when I was younger," Loran said. "Those are tough shoes to fill. And I guess I just never had it."

But the same principles that likely turned his father into a superior bowler are what give Loran an edge in baseball.

"It's basically just discipline," said Loran, who will play next season at Jamestown College in North Dakota. "I'm not the biggest guy out there at first base, but I think I have to work the hardest to be successful in this game."

Loran, 18, started this season on a torrid hitting pace, jumping out of the gate with a batting average that hovered near .600.

He has since leveled off - no one expected Loran to keep that going all season - but his statistics speak for themselves.

Entering Thursday's game against Bozeman, Loran ranked first on the team in seven offensive categories including batting average (.462), hits (84), doubles (22), RBIs (74) slugging percentage (.654) and on-base percentage (.517).

Loran also had three home runs and an on-base/slugging average of 1.117.

Though he acknowledged a need for improved footwork to better his overall defensive presence, Loran knows everything has come together for him at the plate.

"Early in the year I was hitting everything," Loran said. "Even when I got out I would hit it hard right at somebody. I never dreamed I could have this kind of season.

"It's just been enjoyable to have this group of guys. We have a great group. It's been fun to be around them and have a good season. Hopefully we can roll into state and finish off good."

The Royals faced their rivals, the Scarlets, in last year's state championship, forcing a deciding second game. But the Scarlets won big and took home the hardware.

Loran doesn't look back fondly on that moment, but realizes it could be an important stepping stone to getting over the hump this time around.

For his team and for himself.

"We definitely don't want to go through that again," Loran said. "We had a great shot. It's just more motivation for this year.

"Hopefully I can be that guy that steps up in a huge moment to help the team get the victories that we need."