Getting To Know Toby Dunlap
January 25, 2015 | Baseball
The Huskies have 13 new faces on the roster this season. GoHuskies.com will present "Getting to know" segments on the newcomers leading up to the season. Up today, pitcher Toby Dunlap.
How has the transition from high school life to college life went for you so far?
It's been a pretty smooth transition. They give you a lot of stuff to help you through it, whether it's on the academic or sports side of it, which is pretty awesome. You have a lot of great resources. Other than that, it's a little more freedom. And as far as baseball goes, everyone seems a lot more focused. You really get a sense of team and everyone is pulling for the same thing, which is cool.
What are some of your strengths on the mound?
I'm a taller guy, so when I throw it's pretty downhill. It's a little difficult for hitters to handle because I get a some sink on it. I'm able to pound it down and in on guys. And I'm able to compete. I feel that I'm a pitcher who performs my best in the game.
What one part of your game do you think you need to refine the most?
I think I need to work most on my command, so that's the main thing I'm focusing on. Command my off-speed, fastball, and really dial everything in.
You threw a perfect game the day after you verbally committed to play for the Huskies. What was that like?
That day, J.K. (UW pitching coach Jason Kelly) was actually watching me. I remember him watching me through the fence warming up before the game. That whole game was a whirlwind, it was incredible. But it was really cool after the game to go up and shake J.K.'s hand and to just know that everything was kind of meant to be … It was honestly the most stressful seven innings of my life. It was a really strange experience because there's all that superstition around it. You're not supposed to talk to the pitcher or anything. I didn't know what was going on until about the 4th inning, so I'm sitting there after the first couple innings and nobody would say a word to me and it was really kind of strange. But once it was over, it was probably the coolest thing I've done in my life. And to have J.K. there watching, it was like something out of a story… I threw 55 pitches. I tend to throw somewhat of a sinker, so everything was just ground-balls to the shortstop. I swear they swung at the first pitch almost every time.
What are some of your goals for season?
My goal is to just do my job on the team. I want to compete and perform at the best of my abilities, and wherever that takes me on the field I'm happy with. As long as I know that I'm performing the best I can, the rest is up to the coaches. I just want to do what I can to help out.
You're 6-foot-5. Have you been able to soak up some knowledge from the other big pitchers on the team?
Will (Ballowe), when you watch the guy throw he's big and powerful. You can tell just watching him play long toss. You can really take a lot from his work ethic. And you can see the way that he uses his body to throw the ball, that's definitely something I want to mimic for myself.
What was it like for you to move from Southern California to Seattle?
The weather here doesn't bother me. I actually like it a lot. The biggest adjustment is probably just being on my own up here. Not having my parents or family. But I like it a lot.
What is your favorite thing about Seattle?
It has to be the team. Honestly, this is probably the best group of guys that I've ever been around. Coming to the field every day is something I really enjoy doing. And it's cool being around everyone and working towards the same goal… I've gone to Capitol Hill, Pikes Place and everything and I like it, it's a really cool city.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I'm really into music. I play guitar and drums. Sadly I can't bring the drum set up here with me. I don't think that would fit in the dorm. But I play guitar a lot.
Who is your favorite musician?
Eddie van Halen. I have a guitar that looks exactly like his that I made myself. I'm really into classic rock
What is your favorite song to play on the guitar?
Panama or the intro for Hot For Teacher… I used to be in a band when I was 13, I had the garage band and everything. The band name was Ultrasound. We played shows around Fullerton, and it was a good time.
What upcoming band should everyone listen to?
The Neighborhood from Los Angeles.
