Featured Silver Hawk - David Narodowski
"I did play hockey growing up until about grade 11," said Narodowski. "I had to make the decision to play baseball because I was invited to try out for Team Canada, so that pretty much made my decision."
Narodowski made the team and played in the 2006 World Junior Baseball Championships. The Canadians finished third in the tournament, with Narodowski bringing home fond memories from Cuba.
"Definitely one of the best experiences of my life," said Narodowski. "Playing against teams from other countries and actually going to Cuba and competing in the World Championships is one of the best experiences I've had playing baseball.
International success for Team Canada like Narodowski experienced is growing, as the Canadian team defeated the United States in the 2006 World Baseball Classic and came close to doing it again in 2009. With many major league stars also hailing from north of the border, baseball's popularity in Canada is growing.
"[Baseball] is picking up, especially the area I'm from," said Narodowski. "[Vancouver] is a hot spot for baseball and we have one of the best high school programs and leagues in Canada."
Make no mistake however; hockey is still number one in Canada. This was evidenced by the nation's support and celebration for both the men's and women's hockey teams winning the Gold Medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics hosted in Narodowski's hometown of Vancouver.
Narodowski went to some of the women's hockey games to support friends he had on both the Canadian and Slovakian teams in addition to "taking part in the celebrations downtown." What struck Narodowski the most, however, was the anticipation surrounding the games.
"A month before the actual Olympics started you could feel a big buzz," Narodowski said. "Every time you'd walk the streets you'd see signs like 'Go Canada Go!' and you'd see a lot of people from different countries."
Following high school Narodowski left his homeland for Vernon, Texas and Vernon College, where he played for two years. Leaving the mountains and trees of Vancouver for the heat and cattle of Texas was a unique experience for Narodowski.
"It definitely was a culture shock," said Narodowski. "Different people; nice people, very welcoming and it was just a good experience being down there for two years."
While most of his country mates were looking forward to the NHL Draft in late June, Narodowski was selected by the Diamondbacks in the 15th round of the 2009 MLB Draft after playing a year at the University of Kansas. After spending last year in Missoula, Narodowski is playing a valuable utility role for the Silver Hawks and hopes his versatility will make him a valuable asset to the Diamondbacks organization.
The David Narodowski File
Position: Utility
Height: 5'9''
Weight: 193
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: August 3, 1988 in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Resides: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Obtained: Selected in the 15th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft
Fast Facts
Favorite Team: "Toronto Blue Jays"
Favorite Food: "Grandma's pierogies"
Favorite Movie: "Dumb and Dumber" and "Gladiator"
Favorite Book: "Moneyball"
Interesting Fact About Yourself: "I speak three languages: Polish, French, and English"