Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – It’s never too hot to take part in the great American pastime.

While temperatures have been in the 90’s all week with heat index values 100 or higher at times, a lot of people who have to work in the heat might want a break, or some nice, conditioned air.

Does that include baseball players who hope to one day make it to the pros?

“It’s hard.  It’s nice we have this (air-conditioned) clubhouse (at Robin Roberts Stadium), but when we go on the road, some of the teams don’t, so you’re just out in the heat,” said Lane Lorton, Chatham, a relief pitcher for the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes.  “You’ve just gotta deal with it, you’ve gotta do what you gotta do, and make some fun out of it.”

It’s all about the experience of playing in the Prospect League, and teaching future major leaguers what they need to do before they can get to that level.

“These kids all have aspirations to make it to the next level.  At the next level, it gets more challenging every step you go,” said Jamie Toole, Lucky Horseshoes Chief Storyteller.  “More games, more road trips…it’s hot all over the world.  I always say that both teams are playing in the same heat, so make sure you take care of yourself.”

Toole says in the clubhouse, the team makes sure to have plenty of Gatorade, Pedialyte, water, and other drinks in order to stay hydrated and try to fend off any heat-related illnesses.

Lorton has also played for Parkland College, where the season and practice can start in February, so between the two teams, he’s likely to experience all the elements anyway.

As for the heat itself, Toole says he’d rather have a hot baseball game than a rain delay or rainout any day.  He says he’s from Florida, and this heat is pretty nice compared to down south.