Danny Wideman

Since he was five, playing shortstop has been a constant in the life of Danny Wideman, sophomore. 

“I remember playing [shortstop] most of my life,” Wideman said. “Shortstop or centerfield, but coaches said I was usually the most athletic on the field so I continued to play shortstop. I’m a pretty chill guy off the field but on the field I’m kind of loud.”  

Last season, Wideman started out on junior varsity (JV) and worked his way up to swinging for varsity during their playoffs run and eventually, their state championship win.  

“I think we got a lot of the same players [this year],” Wideman said. “We lost some infielders and outfielders. I just think [the seniors] have a big role to play, [in] just keeping that legacy going. We’re all close with each other, so I think the chemistry is already there.”

Outside of playing for varsity, Wideman also continues to finetune his skills as shortstop playing for a club baseball team, Baum Bat NW.  

“[As shortstop, I tell] people where to go, and also letting everyone know how many outs there are, trying to keep everyone in the game, and keeping their heads up,” Wideman said. 

Wideman looks up to players like Francisco Lindor and Tim Anderson, two shortstops currently active in Major League Baseball (MLB). 

“I’m just seeing a lot of black people in the MLB, and knowing that I feel like I could do some of the things that people are out there doing,” Wideman said. “[That] keeps my passion going. I want to reach that D1 level.” 

Looking ahead, Wideman is also continuing to play football as a wide receiver, and intends to pursue baseball and football collegiately. 

“I don’t really know if I want to play football or baseball yet, but I probably want to have the opportunity in both of those sports, and then just take it from there,” Wideman said.