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2018 Free Agent Dennis Koenck

 

 

 

 

Dennis Koenck

USSSA Playing History

 

Interview conducted on 2/1/2018 

Who are you playing with in 2018?
Was playing with Houston – Blacklisted, and conference with Texas Fat. Heard about getting my name out to you guys through My cousin Marcello “Cello” Gonzalez.

2018 Free Agent – Dennis@dynamicsportstraining.com

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Mainly an outfielder, CF. played middle in college, haven’t played too much in softball yet.

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
My cousins was an animal, before he had his first child and retired. I’ve seen some dudes out here in houston, Ruben Segura and DaBomb, grew up watching Sporting Wood way back when. Played college baseball against Pearson when he was at LSU-Shreveport. That dude could mash them, and even crazier now.

Why do you like the game of softball?
Too much fun, fast, and the higher up I’ve played, the more competitive it makes me wanna be. I love it, it’s getting back on the diamond again. And who doesn’t like seeing some grown men getting after it, moonshot after moonshot.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Me. Haven’t really played too much, I work all day so it’s my getaway. When the lady doesn’t mind it, I’m out there as long as I can be. People have told me I should consider making a jump, just have never really known what to do about it, I never lingered at the fields, showed up played and came home.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Little Nation, they called Cello “CelloNation” then he would have his team pick me up, and that’s how I got that. DK just comes flat out from my initials, and it’s tattooed on my back.

What is your height and weight?
5’9” 195lbs

Where do you call home?
Houston, TX

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
If I’m not watching sports bbqing, or on a road trip to Nacogdoches to visit my girlfriend in grad school, I’m either catching up on sleep or throwing BP to our Big Leaguers we train.

What do you do for a living?
Sports Performance Specialist at Dynamic Sports Training (DST)

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
Wrestled, and baseball in high school. Baseball in college, wasn’t the greatest but could play some defense in the outfield. Signed with Dallas Baptist (d1) out of high school, transferred to Northwood U (naia) in Dallas then finished up at Jarvis Christian (naia)

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
My cousin again, CelloNation. He’s put my name out there as much as he could, never any room to stay on an upper level team, so I’ve been playing in crap tournaments, on bad teams, trying to win a tournament myself every weekend.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Every outfielder can run and throw, there’s no bad players, balls are scorched, everything is fast, and I love it.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
No, simply because we’re all so unique, everyone has their thing. If I’m gonna compare, I’d go on a limb by saying George Springer, I’ll be that guy.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Robbing a walkoff homer, then laying out in the gap for the last out back to back plays.

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Keith Heinrich. Even though we never got to play together, just tiny things, and of course Cello. What to do on league night, co-ed, etc.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Grind through the league nights, bring your lunch, continue to find barrels, and let me know if you’ve got a spot on your team and I’ll come patrol the gaps

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Thin tape, 34/26 dc41, 2 fingers off the handle.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Workout and hit when I’m not training athletes in their offseason.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Houston Astros. Baseball and football are it.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Copenhagen, everything else I’ll find heartburn. Really the only major one is touching the line at any time.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
GOMD by Kevin Gates

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Haven’t had a chance to really see any problems, everyone always says tournaments, I haven’t been in many tourneys yet.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Shulenburg, Knights of Columbus. It’s become a tradition, the bbqing, concerts, all of it. The hours, the people..it’s always a great time.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Big league dreams so far, hopefully will have the chance to play at many more complexes.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Barbecue. Never gets old, especially with a cold beer.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
I have seen 6 ks in a game. 

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I throw BP to Tyler White, Alex Bregman, Erich Weiss and all of our minor league ball players. Every now and again I’ll catch some bullpens too when our catchers get tired. 

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
received-Catchers gear from my dad when I was 12, still have the pictures of me crying from the happiness.

Given-definitely have to say Lululemon clothing to my girlfriend and sister, they’ve become great friends that workout together and have formed a nice little bond.
 

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