HOME SPORTS UTA Alumnus named as new assistant coach

UTA Alumnus named as new assistant coach

Written by Sam Morton, The Shorthorn staff

Wednesday, 20 January 2010 06:10 PM

While the Major League Baseball team in Arlington is having trouble sealing an agreed-upon deal, the UTA baseball team has closed on an important deal of its own. Head baseball coach Darin Thomas announced Wednesday that K.J. Hendricks will take over as the team’s hitting coach. Hendricks was officially hired on Wednesday to help the young team in its quest to win the Southland Conference in 2010. He was a volunteer assistant coach with the Mavs in 2009 and team chaplain in 2008. Hendricks replaces the previous hitting coach, Mark Flatten, who accepted a job with the Toronto Blue Jays’ scouting department. “Coach Flatten did a great job for us, but I can’t think of a better guy to bring on board,” Thomas said. “He’s familiar with how I do things, ‘cause we’ve coached together the last few years. We’ve been in the dugout for over 100 games together, so it was an easy decision.” Hendricks said he wants to focus on the fundamentals with such a freshmen-heavy group. “Fundamentally, there’s certain aspects that make you a better baseball player,” he said. “I want them to be able to take their uniqueness and hopefully we can help that blossom a little bit, and make them the best players they can be.” Hendricks is no stranger to the UTA baseball program, earning Second Team All-Conference honors in 2001 with the Mavericks. In 2002, Hendricks hit .351 and had a .453 on-base percentage, earning him a place in the Colorado Rockies’ farm system. After four seasons with the Rockies’ organization and a year with the Baltimore Orioles’ system, Hendricks returned to Arlington to reunite with his former mentor, Coach Thomas. “I look forward to building relationships with these guys, on and off the field,” Hendricks said. “I’m really here to serve them, and that’s the way in which I lead.” Lots of people are excited about what Hendricks brings to his new official assistant coaching position, including some of the newer players. “He’s cool,” said freshman outfielder David Walsh. “I’ve worked with him for one day and he’s already helped me out with my swing.” Thomas outlined what he expected of Hendricks. “We need a hitting, base running, infield coach and that’s his specialty,” Thomas said. Views: 667 | E-mail   Be first to comment this article Only registered users can write comments. Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6 AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com All right reserved

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 20 January 2010 07:15 PM )

 

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