AOTW- Mike Denlinger

Cranking out an outstanding .833 at bat average in the opening run of play, junior outfielder Mike Denlinger was named to the D3baseball national team of the week. Baseball is now 5-1 in the early stages of its 2013 season, coming off of a blazing 3-0 start behind Denlinger’s near perfection at the plate. The News-Letter asked the junior a few questions about his stellar 2013 opening, as well as his goals moving forward as the team preps for their annual spring break trip.

The News-Letter (N-L):

Congrats on the D3baseball.com team honors. What does this recognition mean to you, especially since it’s your first award from the website?

Mike Denlinger (MD):

The recognition means a lot for me and our team because we worked extremely hard this offseason and it’s nice to see it pay off on the field.

N-L: Last week, you pulled off 5 for 6 at bat, greatly contributing to the Jay’s season opening win streak. To whom or what do you attribute this impressive showing?

MD: My success at the plate has to be contributed to our coaching staff and how well they prepare us before games and in practice.  We get a lot of batting practice before each and every game and it is showing in our offensive production so far this year.

N-L: How was your team’s preseason and what specifically have you been doing differently to prepare for your junior season?

MD: Our preseason was excellent.  Everyone worked extremely hard and was determined to make sure this season does not end like last.  Personally, I tried to take advantage of opportunities to get as much batting practice and try to become more comfortable with my role on the team.

N-L: As of now, the team stands at 5-1 after the first few rounds of play. What does this successful start mean for the rest of the season?

MD: Our 5-1 start is especially meaningful for this team considering our beginning of last season.  It gives us the confidence we need to make a serious run into the postseason.

N-L: Catholic gave you guys your first loss of the season. What lessons have you learned from this, specifically referencing the less than desirable third inning?

MD: We never want to lose but I believe this group of guys will learn from it and it will help us as the season goes on.  Specifically the third inning showed us that if we let the game get away from us early it can be very hard to overcome.  We need to bring all of our focus and effort to every inning.

N-L: Describe the importance of the spring break trip for your team. What are you looking to get out of it? How does the competition in Florida compare with Centennial Conference play?

MD: The spring trip is critical for our team especially coming off our recent loss.  It gives the team a chance to focus almost exclusively on baseball and gel as a team.  We are looking to come home knowing what our best starting line-up is and build confidence heading into conference play.  The competition varies on our trip and therefore, seems to prepare us well for conference play.

N-L: Finally, what are your personal goals for your junior year? What does the team hope to accomplish this year in conference and potentially the post-season?

MD: I think we have a very talented team capable of accomplishing all the goals we have. We expect to win our conference, put together a strong showing in regionals and make a trip to the College World Series.

After their solid start, Hopkins has now cracked the top 25 nationally. The Jays return to the diamond on March 27 to host conference opponent Stevenson.