East County Athlete of the Week: Denzel Diaz

The Braden River High baseball team opened the season with just three wins in its first nine games, but bounced back over the past two weeks, winning five of six games from March 10-21. Junior outfielder/pitcher Denzel Diaz has played a big part in that resurgence. He has posted the best numbers of any Pirates pitcher with a 2-1 record, a 1.88 ERA, 20 strikeouts and nine hits allowed over 18 ⅔ innings. Last week, Diaz had a three-run triple, a walk and a hit-by-pitch in a 16-2 win over IMG Academy Blue. On the mound, he allowed one unearned run on three hits and a walk with five strikeouts over six innings in a 10-1 win against Out-of-Door Academy.

When and why did you start playing baseball?

I started playing baseball because I wanted to follow in my father’s (Diogenes Diaz) footsteps since he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (organization). He introduced me to the game at the age of 4 and I fell in love with it.

What’s been the most memorable moment for you this season?

My almost complete game against ODA. I pushed myself to my max limit.

What’s your all-time favorite memory in baseball?

Hitting a walk-off, inside-the-park home run in travel ball two years ago. That walk-off feeling is such a good feeling.

What helped Braden River’s turnaround?

I think our team chemistry has picked up in the past week or two. We started off a little rocky, but then we had a four-game stretch where we just kept winning and winning. And yes, we lost last week, but the ability to bounce back is our strongest attribute.

What has gone right for you so far this season?

I’d say my pitching, as of right now, has gone right for me. It’s mainly been my command. I’ve been throwing harder, but my command with the off-speed has been good as well. 

What’s your favorite meal?

I love some chicken tenders. It can be from anywhere. I love them all.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

I like Stranger Things. I like the sci-fi genre.

Do you have a go-to, warm-up song?

Lil Baby is my favorite artist. I don’t have a favorite song, he has too many. His songs have good beats and he flows on every song. It gets me hyped before a game and I lock in.

What does your ideal weekend look like?

If I’m not hanging out with friends, I’m in the batting cages. I’m doing something baseball-related, or something that benefits me outside of the baseball field that can transfer onto the baseball field, like working out in the gym. 

What’s been your most humbling moment in baseball?

Knowing that scouts are there to watch me, and I might go 0-for-3 and still keep my composure and run onto the field. That’s been humbling because it’s hard to do that.

Who’s your favorite baseball player and why?

Ronald Acuña Jr. I love his braids, I love what he does, I love his swag. I love what he stands for.

Finish this sentence. Denzel Diaz is…

A confident baseball player.