June 2, 2011
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By Josh Molino
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Growing up just an hour outside of St. Louis, Danny Winkler has always been a Cardinals fan. Last summer his love for the Redbirds had to be put aside, as the 6-foot-3 right-hander was selected in the 43rd round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the long-time division rival Chicago Cubs.
"It's always been a dream to play in the majors, and if it's with the Cubs, they won't get anyone who is willing to work harder to get better than me," Winkler said.
Winkler began his collegiate career at Parkland, a junior college in Champaign, Ill. As a freshman he helped guide the Cobras to a 49-9 record and the NJCAA national title. In his sophomore season, the Cobras finished fifth nationally with a record of 50-11. In 2010, Winkler went 9-4 with a 3.11 ERA and earned all-region and first-team all-conference honors.
Attending St. Anthony High School, Winkler earned four varsity letters as an outfielder and pitcher for coach Joey Ohnesorge. As a senior, Winkler went 6-1 with a 0.90 ERA with three shutouts and one no-hitter. Success has come at all levels for the pitcher and that did not change in his first season with UCF.
The Knights' junior started the 2011 season 3-0, with victories at home against Siena, Dartmouth and Wagner. Winkler went 6.0 innings in each outing, with his best performance coming against Wagner, allowing four hits and striking out 10.
With success sometimes comes adversity, and Winkler began a tough stretch on the mound March 18. A mid-season move to the bullpen might have been just what the doctor ordered. Head coach Terry Rooney, who also serves as the pitching coach, relegated Winkler to the bullpen to make some adjustments, and see if he could regain his earlier success.
"Going to the bullpen allowed me to take a step back and take advantage of the opportunity I have going to school and representing UCF. I started the season and had some success, then had to face some tough teams where I struggled," Winkler said. "When you get sent back to the pen you have to be ready at any time to take the mound and make the most of my chances. It keeps you hungry."
With guidance from Rooney, Winkler seemed to gain some of his confidence back in limited action as a relief pitcher.
"Coach has really helped me focus and use my strengths on the mound, allowing me to throw first-pitch strikes and help improve my slider and breaking ball. He is one of the best all-around coaches in the country and we are lucky to have him here at UCF," added Winkler.
Strong work from the pen showed that Winkler was making progress and gave Rooney the confidence to give him the ball against Houston. Winkler did not disappoint, striking out a career-best 11 batters and allowing one earned run through six innings of work.
Another solid performance against Florida State in Tallahassee demonstrated that Winkler was ready to get back into the starting rotation. Lasting 7.0 innings, he allowed six hits and four earned runs while striking out four, proving that Winkler was back on track.
So how did Winkler find himself and the strike zone again? Some advice from key members in his life helped the Effingham, Ill., native.
"My parents have been my role models throughout my life. They have helped me get exactly where I am today. Something very important that they taught me is to love friends, family, teammates. Since coming to UCF I've had ups and downs in my transition. Coach Rooney has been there for me and really helped me grow as a person and a player," Winkler said.
Winkler has a 3-4 record on the season, starting 12 games and appearing in 16. He is the team leader in strikeouts with 79, second on the team with 71.2 innings pitched and has a 4.90 ERA.
UCF will be making its first appearance in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2004, when the No. 2 Knights take on No. 3 Alabama Friday at noon. FSU is hosting the regional at Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee, fans can follow the game at NCAA Tournament Central or UCFAthletics.com.