Team News

Q & A With Former Logger Wade Kapteyn

February 9, 2010

Our spotlight Logger in the pros today is former pitcher Wade Kapteyn.  Kapteyn is currently playing for the Oneonta Tigers who are affiliated with the Detroit Tigers.  Kapteyn was drafted and signed by the Tigers in the 24^th round of the 2009 MLB draft after turning down offers in the two previous years after being drafted by the Minnesota Twins (40^th round) and the Chicago White Sox (20^th round). 

Team               W-L     ERA    IP         H         ER       BB       SO

Loggers – ’07    1-0        2.84      12.2      11         4          5          10

Loggers – ’08    2-3        5.40      46.2      52         28         33         33

Oneonta – ’09    1-5        7.27      34.2      46         28         21         16

LL: What is the best memory you have so far in your young professional career?

WK: The best memory I have so far in professional baseball would have to be getting the save against the Brooklyn Cyclones (New York Mets affiliate).  A crowd of about 12,500 were making a lot of noise, and I struck the last guy out on a slider low and away, the place went silent!! We Won!!

LL: Describe your path as a baseball player as to how you got to where you are today.

WK: My path was pretty typical.  I started playing Little League when I was about 6, and played in the town league until I was about 17.  At that time I had been getting some interest from schools and professional teams, so my family and I decided it was best to join a travel team for the summer (between junior and senior year of high school).  Once I locked down a scholarship I went back to playing for the town league.  High School was fun, went down to state my sophomore year, I had a good showing there, and the scouts were interested.  Out of high school I was drafted by the Chicago White Sox, I decided I was not ready to play professionally so I decided to go to the University of Evansville.  I had a few up and down years there.  After my freshman year I got the opportunity to play in the Cape Cod League.  I enjoyed my time there, but being a freshman I was not given the time of day to work on my skills.  I ended up finishing up my summer in the Northwoods League, at La Crosse.  I loved it, and decided I was coming back after my sophomore year.  My sophomore year was plagued by injuries, I had no hopes of getting drafted but was by the Minnesota Twins, but I opted to go to La Crosse, and try again for the draft my junior year.  I had an up and down year with La Crosse, not what you want to have, especially because the La Crosse Loggers organization and the city of La Crosse is such a great place with great fans.  My junior year was not much to write home about, but God blessed me with the opportunity to play pro ball in the Detroit Tigers organization and that is where I am today!!

LL: What is one memory from your time with the Loggers that stands out from the others?

WK: My second year with La Crosse, which would have been the summer of 2008, was probably the best and worst summer of my life.  First, I will describe why it was the best.  We had a great team of guys as well as great coaches.  The team chemistry was unbelievable that year.  We had so many unique characters on the team, that all together it was a blast.  We had the "hot guy"--Steve Tinoco, the "hot head"--Derek Melton, "the team comedian" --Scottie Pepp Alexander”, "the madman"-- Staton Thomas, "Mr. All-American"-- Pete Woodworth, "Mr. Outdoors Man"- Wade Gaynor, "The bald guy"—Me, this is just to name a few.  We all were our own person but somehow we meshed real well together.  One of the best teams I have ever been on.  The coaches were amazing, Joe the batting practice man was probably the nicest guy I have ever met, Greg Vaughn was amazing to learn from, Coach McKay would pick your brain apart, and Coach Tate was intense but yet always willing to help you in whatever way. 

 

The worst part of the summer was having to see Derek Melton go through that life altering accident.  I will not recap that day; I will say DEREK MELTON was the heartbeat of that team.  We went when he went, and no one could argue that!!  And though Derek Melton has to battle everyday things we usually take for granted, Derek Melton will grow up to be an impact person in whatever he does.  The same impact person he was on and off the field, because that is in Derek Melton’s nature. That is The PERSON WE ALL KNOW HIM TO BE. 

LL: Do you have any personal goals for the upcoming 2010 season?

WK: The goals I have for the 2010 season are simple.  Get to Low-A long Season in Grand Rapids MI.  I want to have a low ERA as well as earn a starting spot.  And finally, to work ahead of hitters and at the knees.

LL: What advice would you give current Loggers players who have dreams of some day playing at the professional level?

WK: My advice is pretty simple - play every day like it’s your last.  Understand that you have a gift and an opportunity that many dream about.  3500 thousand fans come to watch you play the game of baseball - that is exciting.  And the last piece of advice I have is make sure you always remember that you are looked up to by kids, and what you do off the field is just as important as what you do on the field.  Best of Luck Loggers 2010!