Name: Dan Hedden
Age: 21
Hometown: West Cornwall, CT Sport: Nordic Baseball
Position: Pitcher
How long have you been playing baseball?
Since I was three or four years old. I started playing because of my dad he played when he was in high school so I started to play
What inspired you to join the team here at St. Lawrence University?
I was recruited to play here out of high school which is pretty awesome because I’ve always want to play baseball at a college level. Every kids dream is to play professionally and this is a step in between.
What is your favorite memory of being on the baseball team at SLU?
It’s hard to pick just one moment, but it would probably be my first start in college. We were down in Florida and coach told me I was going to get my first start so it was great because as a pitcher your first appearance is a really big deal. I was stoked to get my first start my first year playing as a sophomore because I was hurt my freshman year and didn’t play
Who is your biggest fan and why?
Definitely my grandmother, she loves baseball so it’s kind of an excuse for her to come and watch it because she has a grandson that plays. She tries to come to as many games as possible. She has come all the way from Connecticut to St. Lawrence for some games and whatever’s close to home her and my grandpa drive to
What is a skill that you have your learned from baseball that you have been able to apply in everyday life?
As a pitcher you have to learn to show very little emotion when you’re playing. So I can kind of control my emotions well because of baseball. A big one is how to handle failures because baseball is one of those sports where you can fail two out of three times and still be a Hall of Famer.
Do you have any superstitious pre-game rituals?
My catcher and I watch Pitch Perfect the night before every game. Obviously the movie has nothing to do with baseball but we still hang out and watch a movie the night before. If we’re not at home and can’t watch the movie we just hang out. A strong pitcher catcher relationship.
What is your favorite thing to order from the pub?
A patty melt with five barbecue tenders with bacon and extra cheese.
What are your suggestions for this weekend’s playlist?
Anything country!
Do you have any advice for student athletes?
Learn how to manage your time. Playing a sport takes a lot of time when I’m in season I have at least two hours of practice usually every day and on the weekends we can be on the field for at least eight hours.
Anything else you’d like to say?
I hope all my friends come and watch me play, especially Connor McAleney. Also, a big thanks to all of my fraternity brothers who said they were going to come and heckle the other teams so I don’t have to worry about that. I love you mom!