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Prospect Q & A: Dundee Crown's Danny Denz

December 8, 2014

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

Danny Denz, a 6-foot, 160-pound left-handed pitcher from Dundee Crown High School is currently ranked No. 48 in Illinois’ 2016 class. Denz impressed this fall with a low-to-mid 80’s fastball, touching 86 mph and made his commitment to the University of Memphis. I sat down with Denz to discuss his decision as well as his upcoming spring season.

What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

For me personally, I thought my recruiting process was easy. The same day Memphis saw me they gave me an email that night so I decided to give Coach Greene a call. And from that we have gained a good relationship and that made this process very easy for me. 

Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

The location played a factor in my decision. I wanted to play in a warm climate and Memphis definitely has that. I wanted to get out of the cold Illinois weather and play baseball in nice warm weather. I didn't want to go too far from home. If I had to I would have, but I’d rather just stay a good amount away from home and Memphis is a great destination for me. It’s not too far so my parents can come out on the weekends to watch me play.

Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Memphis first saw me at the MLK showcase in Chicago. And that same night after the showcase they emailed me. At the bottom of the e-mail there was Coach Greene's cell phone number, so I gave him a call. I was really excited and nervous. It was really cool getting an e-mail from a southern school and our relationship began from there. We have built a strong relationship these past nine months. 

At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Right after my 13U season when I joined Elite Baseball Training for my 14U season. My coaches on my team helped me a lot with mechanical issues, helped me get into shape, helped me have a better attitude, and boosted my confidence while I was playing. I went to Travis Kerber’s (head instructor of elite) velocity training class and that helped me immensely. I gained 10 mph from a crow hop in six to eight weeks. That helped out my velocity off the mound by a lot. So from that I saw myself as going to the next level of playing college baseball and I’m glad I met my goal.

What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

I was looking for a school in warm climate, a school that had good coaches that can help me excel at the next level and that makes me feel wanted, a school with a good education, and lastly a school that is competitive on the field. Memphis had that all for me.

What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

My best attribute as a player is I give it 110% every time I’m on the field to help my team win. I stay positive and help my teammates when they need to be helped. I play to win and play with a lot of confidence in myself to know I can beat any team I am pitching against. I trust my defense behind me and pitch with intensity every single time I go to the mound.

What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?

I would like to improve my velocity more. I still feel like I have a lot more in me to throw harder. I’ve been lifting and going to speed training to help build my leg strength and my core so I can show results when I’m on the field.

What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

The advice I would give young players is to not take anything for granted. Play with passion and love for the game, play your hardest and practice your hardest every chance you get because you never know when it could be your last. Lastly never let anybody tell you that you can’t do something. If you think you can do it then you can do it, you are the only person that can decide if you are going to be successful.

What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

During the offseason I stop throwing for a couple weeks, so I can give my arm rest. While on this resting period I work out at the gym. I am currently in a speed training class and it has helped me a lot so far, and once I start throwing I like to play long toss and throw bullpens to keep my arm in shape.

What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

The most memorable moment of my career was winning the Cy-young award in 2010 in the USSSA World Series. It was one of the coolest experiences ive had playing baseball.

What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

The coaches were the biggest factor. I not only wanted coaches that can improve my game I wanted coaches that will shape me up and help me when I’m in need. All the coaches at Memphis do just that. And the style of baseball, Memphis has a very good program and I believe that we could be very good and contend in the playoffs. I am very excited about this decision. 

When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

The recruiting process heated up for me after I pitched against the nationally ranked Houston Banditos in Fort Myers. Coach Mac (Memphis pitching coach) saw me play there and after he saw me they invited me back down for another visit. That's when they gave me an offer. Words couldn't describe how happy I was.

Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

I think our high school team will be okay. We have a good amount of talent to help us be successful. As long as we practice hard and play with confidence we will be fine. We have a good coach in Jon Anderson. He can help us win. My goals for the season are to finish above .500 and contend in the Fox Valley conference. Hopefully we will be successful as long as we have confidence and play hard.

Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

I played for Elite Baseball Training. The most memorable experience was throwing a combined no-hitter in the Perfect Game Underclass Showcase with Notre Dame commit Sam Ferri. Also pitching against the Houston Banditos in the Perfect Game Sweet 16.

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