Saluki Baseball Conversation | Connor Kopach - Southern Illinois University Athletics

Senior infielder Connor Kopach stole 33 bases last year, the most for any MVC player since 2010. We sat down to discuss SIU's new aggressive base running, the move to shortstop, playing against the USA Collegiate National Team this past summer (Kopach went 2-for-2 with a double and 3 RBIs), and more.

How did you summer go?

It went great, besides the weather. I got to meet new people from all over the place, from California to North Carolina. it was a fun time, and our coaches were awesome. It was great competition.

What was it like playing against Team USA?

It was nervewracking at first, playing against some of the best freshmen and sophomores. But once I got out there, all the nerves went away. It was just like facing any other pitcher or any other team. It was a lot of fun to meet all the guys.

Were you watching the MLB Draft?

There was a little disappointment. I thought I might get drafted in the 30s. I knew I didn't have a great year, but I was hoping I would get drafted, even if I wasn't going to go. It's not a big deal.

You're heading into your fifth year. What's it like to be the senior member of the program?

I feel like a grandpa now. I feel like Bryce (Sablotny) when he was a super-senior. It's different, but I'm a leader now. I have to speak up, communicate, and teach all the new kids what the Salukis are all about.

You've had consistent improvement. Do you take encouragement going into your senior year?

A little bit. I know I can be a lot better than what I've been, too. I was a little disappointed with how last year went, but this is a whole new year. If I go out and play the best I can, we can find a way to win.

How much did the new aggressive base running play to your strengths?

I loved it. Once they said we would start stealing more, I loved it. That's what I love to do. I know I can, and it's a matter of actually doing it. I think I could have had more last year, but I fell a couple times running to second. Other than that, I love what they're teaching us. Hopefully, the new guys on our team can steal, too.

You've played second base most of your career. With Will Farmer graduating, you could move to short or the outfield. Does it matter to you where you'll play?

I'm hoping to take over the shortstop spot. I have no problem playing wherever, but I like shortstop more than anyone else. If I'm at second or center, I have no problem with that.

Do you have team or individual goals?

I want to break the individual steals record for a season, but I need to get on base a lot more to accomplish that. I need to lessen my strikeouts, which has been a big problem for me. But getting on base is the biggest thing. For the team, I think we can win the conference, even though we're young. We have a great pitching staff and great hitters. We're in the running.

What do you see from the new guys?

There's a lot more speed, so we will probably steal a lot more bases. We have power guys, and we have contact guys who can beat a lot of hits out. For the pitchers, we have hard throwers and crafty guys. We have a great mix, which should be good for everyone.