Q&A with Angus Denton RHP Beebe HS

February 14, 2016

By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

I had the opportunity to talk with the No. 8 player in the 2016 rankings and Arkansas commit, about his recruiting process. He was also kind enough to share with some highlights from his 2015 season.

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose the College of your choice?

Denton: It has always been just a dream to play there. I remember a time when I was 14 and I went to a game at Baum Stadium and I walked out afterwards and I remember saying, “This is where I want to play baseball.” They have a great program and just a great staff altogether.

PBR: Where did they first see you compete?

Denton: I think they saw me compete the summer after my sophomore year out in Wichita, KS. Coach Jorn was up there and he came to a game I started in.

PBR: When did you take your first official or unofficial visit College of your choice?

Denton: I took an unofficial to Arkansas State fall of my junior year and then during the winter I went up to Arkansas. I took my official at Arkansas this fall and that was a really fun trip.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Denton: They’ve told me that they want me to help out of the bullpen. Throwing from my arm slot and getting a lot of sink, they want me to come out and get a groundball or something like that. Mostly from the bullpen though.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Denton: Arkansas State, Harding, Wichita State, Dallas Baptist, Missouri State, Georgia, Army, Crowder JUCO. Some great schools, and some great opportunities, but I knew I wanted Arkansas.

PBR: Who did you play for this summer? Talk about your experience playing for them?

Denton: I played for Diamonds Baseball Club with Chad Mercado, Arkansas Express with Greg Baxendale and Arkansas Prospects with Andy Menard. All three of those teams were great. I got to play out in the East Cobb Perfect game event and threw a 7 inning shutout, so that was a good memory. Got to play with future teammates Casey Martin and Evan Hooper a little bit as well.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Denton: There are so many people that helped me become a successful pitcher. First God, because without him, I know I would not be where I am today. I credit my dad and brother first, because they helped me as a young boy learn the fundamentals of pitching. Then I would have to say former Angel’s minor leaguer Dwight Turpin, and former Giants minor leaguer Jack McKnight. Also my Express coach Greg Baxendale. He really helped me develop into a sidearm/submarine pitcher. His son DJ Baxendale also helped me a great deal. Both my high school coaches Mark Crafton and Geral Williams have helped a ton. Chad Mercado who is teacher here at Beebe, a former Division 1 Catcher at SEMO has helped me a lot as well. Tom House, who was Nolan Ryan’s pitching coach, helped me so much. I credit him a lot.

PBR: What were your stats for your High School last spring?

Denton: I went 6-2 last year with 96 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched. Had a school record .41 ERA and 1 Save. Best game for me was against Pulaski Academy. Struck out 16 and got a big win.

Q&A with Angus Denton RHP Beebe HS

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