As we prepare for the 2019 High School season, we take a look at local players who have already made their commitments to play at the Division 1 level. In this article, we feature 2019 grad Kyle Dernedde. Kyle is a 5-foot-9, 180-pound infielder who will head to Corvallis next season to play for Oregon State University. This past summer our National Crosschecker, Shooter Hunt had the opportunity to see Dernedde at the Area Code Games. Here are his thoughts...

KYLE DERNEDDE SS / 2B / TUALATIN, OR / 2019 Oregon-native, Util. Kyle Dernedde has the look of a player who steadily finds his way into the lineup because of the winning qualities that he brings to the team. A right-handed hitter who can likely play any position on the field, Dernedde is a tough out at the plate where his quick hands and plate coverage allow him to utilize the entire field to spray line drives. His high energy should be welcomed in Corvallis.

 

Here is what Kyle had to say about his commitment as well as other memorable baseball experiences.

PBR: Why did you choose Oregon State?

KD: I chose Oregon State because it feels like home. My father attended Oregon State and for as long as I can remember we have had season tickets to Oregon State football games. For a stretch we even had baseball season tickets. From a young age I decided I wanted to play baseball for the Beavs and when the opportunity presented itself it was nearly impossible to say no.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

KD: I was considering Seattle University, University of Portland, and had just began speaking to the Air Force Academy before committing to Oregon State.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you play? Who on staff was your primary recruiter?

 KD: Pat Bailey was who primarily recruited me. I think he first saw me play at the Baseball Northwest, Northwest Championships event.  He then followed me through high school and summer ball around the state of Oregon.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer/fall and what has that experience been like?

 KD: During the summer my primary team is Portland Baseball Club 18u. I also played for Baseball Northwest and GBG Northwest Marucci at various travel tournaments. During the Fall I played football.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

 KD: Playing in the Area Code games. Incredible experience getting to play against the best high school players in the country.

PBR: Any pre-game superstitions?

 KD: No superstitions 

PBR: Favorite MLB player and why?

 KD: Brandon Crawford.  He is a “ball player”, level headed, gritty, a competitor and not flamboyant. He plays shortstop for the San Francisco Giants and is my favorite to watch in the MLB.

PBR: What would be your top walk-out song? (The edited version)

 KD: Hard to choose a single walkout song because mine change all the time. I am a big country music fan and have always had a country walk-out song. Country rock from, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, or Zac Brown Band.

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