Popham Preparing for Second Season with Owlz
Published on May 13, 2023 under Pioneer League (PL)
Northern Colorado Owlz News Release
In 2022, Dakota Popham provided pop in the middle of the lineup and stability at the corner infield spots. More than enough reason to bring back this Colorado kid.
Here's what skip had to say ...
From Frank Gonzales: The way he moves at third base, it's pretty much a shoo-in for me. Someone is gonna have to come in here defensively and show us that they can really play third. The way he moves at third is really, really good, and the bat looks fine in the cages too. Looks like it's gonna be line drive, gap-to-gap, and a little bit of power. Popham has shown some definite stability and looks like someone who could really play at third base.
And here's what this sparkplug from the Springs had to say about himself ...
What made you want to come back? What was that process like? Um, nothing. They gave me an opportunity to keep playing baseball, and Frank is a great coach. He's got a great resume. It would have been kinda stupid if I chose not to come back. Easy sell.
What do you like about the core group of guys coming back? They're awesome. The dudes who wanted to complain about last year kinda found better homes for themselves, whether that's actually better or not. I feel like we got the dudes that just kinda dealt with the situation and wanted to keep playing baseball. Someone is paying you to play baseball. What's there to complain about?
What do you have to prove this season? Last year, regardless if I was playing or not, it wasn't up to the standards that I hold my own game to. Other people can tell you if you did a good job, but you know in your heart whether or not you lived up to your own standards.
What did you learn about yourself as a ballplayer last year? Just that I'm resilient. Outside of my freshman year, I've never really faced adversity that head-on. Coming through camp last year, feeling like I had a good camp, and then getting released, it caused me to grind within myself and work the game out of my head. It wasn't like I could just focus on performing on the field, keep playing baseball. It was like, "I don't even have a job right now, but I'm gonna keep playing baseball." And then I ended up getting called back. So it was just a little adversity.
What kind of message do you have for Owlz fans entering this season? We have our home field this year, and we need your support. Help us build this from the ground up now that things are taking off. And from what I've seen, this group is full of a bunch of dudes who are just grinding. Some of them are seeking their first professional opportunity. Some are just trying to prove something to themselves and everyone around here. We've just got a bunch of grinders.
Pioneer League Stories from May 13, 2023
- Hit King Higgins Is Back in NoCo - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Popham Preparing for Second Season with Owlz - Northern Colorado Owlz
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
