KU's Ballinger talks hitting success, historic season on K-Nation

LAWRENCE (KSNT) - It may be his first season in Lawrence, but Jayhawk first baseman Brady Ballinger has wasted no time getting comfortable.

The slugging sophomore is currently batting .365, good for first by KU's terms and fourth in the Big 12. He's mashed 15 home runs during the regular season, helping the Jayhawks to their conference-leading 98 home runs as a group. KU shattered its single-season home run record months ago.

Ballinger joined K-Nation's Caroline Soro for a one-on-one interview to discuss his personal success and what's been a historic season for Kansas baseball, which has its most regular season wins in program history at 42.

"It's really seeing your teammates succeed, like you're happy for them but you also want to back them up and be a part of it," Ballinger said. "Once one guy gets going, the entire team can get going. It's a very dangerous lineup to be a part of."

The second-year Jayhawk spent his first season of college ball at the JUCO level, playing at the college of Southern Nevada. Soro asked Ballinger where he's seen himself develop most while playing Division I ball at KU.

"Biggest adjustment was definitely the hitting approach," Ballinger said. "Comparative my old school, we were all about small ball, bunt the ball, base hits. Here, we're more about driving the ball, doing damage, so that was the biggest adjustment that really helped me develop throughout the year."

Ballinger was named a Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalist this week, the first player in program history to be considered for the honor. It's one of the most prestigious awards in college baseball given to someone with exemplary on and off-the-field performances.

Ballinger also discussed his unique hitting stance, working with KU hitting coach Tyler Hancock and more.

The full interview with Ballinger aired in Sunday's episode of K-Nation and can be watched above. K-Nation airs every Sunday night following 27 News at 10, only on KSNT.