Espinosa Big at Short
by Kim Oswell, Daily 49er
March 1, 2006 The Dirtbags are off to a solid start this season, aided by shortstop Danny Espinosa and his solid play on the left side. This year marks his first playing for the Dirtbags, coming from the well-known baseball regimen at Mater Dei High School.
Espinosa grew up in Santa Ana, Calif. with his parents, brother and two sisters. The communications major chose to play for
Long Beach State over other schools because of the acclaimed program and the team attitude.
" It seemed like a good fit," Espinosa said. "I liked the style of baseball, hard-nosed baseball."
Baseball has been a part of Espinosa's life for 15 years, following in the footsteps of his father who also played in college. Shortstop is the position that came naturally to him and he stuck with it.
Espinosa said he enjoys playing with the juniors and seniors because he gains valuable tips from them and sees them as role models.
" I look up to the older guys and the way they carry themselves," Espinosa said. "Chuck Sindlinger helps me a lot on the field and so do Evan [Longoria] and Jared [Hughes]."
According to Assistant Coach Tim McDonnell, Espinosa constantly works hard and plays aggressively.
" I think he has done the right things to become a better player," McDonnell said.
Espinosa said the most challenging thing about baseball is staying positive all the time, but the older players on the team help set the example.
" It is hard to not get down on yourself when you aren't doing well," Espinosa said. "My goal is to get better every day and things will fall into place. |
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