Getting To Know Karl Kani
February 01, 2016 | Baseball
The Huskies have 17 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, freshman utility player Karl Kani.
So far, what do you think of Seattle?
At first it was a little shaky just because I was getting used to the being away from home. But now that I am settled in, everyone is like family now, so I love it here.
Have you had a chance to check out Seattle?
I have been to the ferris wheel (Seattle Great Wheel) downtown and the Space Needle, but that is it.
Since you live with a teammate who is local, Rex Stephan, has he showed you around Seattle?
Over the summer he was driving me around, telling me where each place was, so that made the transition coming here easier.
What has it been like fitting in with all the new guys?
Honestly I would say the person that has helped me out the most was Boo (Jack Meggs). He was showing me what to exactly do. Now that I am switching to the outfield he is showing me the ropes and everything like that.
What brought on the switch from the infield to the outfield?
It is not a complete move to the outfield. It is like still half-and-half. Before we had Christmas break, coach was like 'We are going to try you out in the outfield. You'll have more playing time out there.' I'll just be playing both. I think the thing that sold me on it was he was that it is easier that infield. I was like, let's go with it.
What are some of the strengths in your game and what do you still need to work on?
I am definitely an explosive player. If I hit the ball on the ground, the defense is going to have to rush the throw to first because I would like to think I am fast, and a lot of other people seem to think that too. I would probably say my weakness is slowing the game down. I am always moving at 110 percent so maybe sometimes I need to bring it down to 50 percent depending on the situation. When I have to be quick, it usually works out for me
What gravitated you to baseball?
I am 5-foot-7 so I was playing basketball a little bit when I was younger but my dad was like, 'Listen, it's not going to work out much longer so you should switch over to baseball.' I started when I was 10 and he just kind of pushed me as hard as I wanted him to. He was never forcing me into it.
What's it like to be the son of famous fashion designer Karl Kani?
It is pretty cool. You get to meet a lot of cool people and make a lot of connections. It is a little different out here because not as many people know who he is. Definitely in L.A. it is pretty cool walking around with him and just seeing how people react.
Who are some of the celebrities you have met through your father's connections?
I met Kanye West before. Wiz Khalifa. Torii Hunter. I probably had one of the best conversations ever after an Angels game with Torii. I went to the dugout and was talking with him for a little bit, it was cool.
What advice did Torii Hunter give you?
I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep playing or not. I was in the ninth grade. He was just telling me and trying to convince me a little bit. He said one quote that I will always remember: 'If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.' So after he said that, he got a big contract. That was when I was like 'Baseball is my thing!'
Did anyone on the team know who your father was when you got here?
Yeah actually Greg Minier knew. I think Ferg (Coach Donegal Fergus) was telling some people about it before, so when I came here people were asking questions about it. I am really humble with all that stuff, so I don't really like to talk about it unless people ask me about it.
How supportive has the family been towards your baseball career?
Very supportive. My mom and dad were at all of my high school games. My sister, she is always there supporting me.
A lot of people know about your dad. What is your mom like?
My mom does yoga. She is into fitness. I guess she helps me out and stretches me out before games, at least she used to.
Do you want to follow in your dad's footsteps when you are done?
I think so. He said it is a tough business, but if I want to do it he can show me the ropes. I mean there is nothing better than getting it right from the source.
What do you plan on majoring in?
Either computer science or music. Or merging the two. I am really into music.
What do you like about music?
I just like beats, and producing. It was pretty weird, I just started like last week. I have just been working on it for a while now so it is pretty fun I would say.
What has Washington been like for you, school wise?
It has been easier than I thought. I think because we have so much help from the tutors and stuff like that. All of the teachers I have had are really cool. It has been a pretty good transition.
What do you think of the facilities?
It was way more than I expected. Just training here is amazing. Being able to go to the man cave every day. It is really amazing to have all this stuff.
Who are you looking forward to playing this year?
I would probably say USC because we are going there this year and all my friends are going to be coming. And also one of my friends is a pitcher on that team so it is going to be pretty fun playing against his team.
