Testimonial Tuesday: Owen Kincaid

Testimonial Tuesday: Owen Kincaid

   Though one shouldn’t classify Owen Kincaid, a 2020 uncommitted LHP, as having a Jekyll & Hyde personality, it should be noted that this seemingly easy-going guy finds a different version of himself when competing on the mound. It’s like a switch turns when he takes the ball; the funny guy suddenly turns to all business. 

Kincaid says his quest to beat an opponent he faces when pitching is so intense he literally takes it personal if the batter finds success in their confrontation.

Something else the 6’5” lefty out of Southwest Guilford High School has recently taken personal was when he was challenged this past off-season about getting serious in the weightroom.  While he has long been a participant in such classes, he says he felt called out when told that for him to compete at a high level he would have to commit in the weightroom first.

“I took it as an insult,” said Kincaid.

Insult or not, he took heed and has produced the goods as a result. While he pitched 78-80 mph last year, he now is consistently in the mid 80’s and popped an 87 at a recent camp.

But despite the velo jump, he sees himself as a control pitcher who creates movement with everything.  With a 4-seamer, a 2-seamer, a slider and a change, Kincaid appears to have a pitch for any occasion. And this is where his “funny side” meets his competitiveness. He commented, “I love seeing funny swings.” 

Trey Daly, the general manager of the Dirtbags has also seen this jump Owen has made and how the pieces are being put in place for him to shine even brighter.  Daly says about Kincaid, “With his stature and frame the LHP really gets on the batters, especially in the left-handed box.”

As he enters his 2nd year with the Dirtbags, he credits being a part of the organization with helping him find these improvements. Kincaid says that playing with the Bags makes him want to up his game. He recognizes also that his confidence in his pitches has grown exponentially as well. He noted he is now able to throw his  breaking ball in any count and make it count.

Whether it’s a chance to go against a top team within the Dirtbags or to get the 2nd round start in the NCHSAA play-offs vs. perennial power TC Roberson (a game that Owen’s Cowboys would win after his 6 inning performance),  the southpaw is finding his stride and taking his game to that next level with each opportunity.

And those opportunities could be growing soon.  Daly adds this after Kincaid’s showing at the PG WWBA 17u National Championship, “In Atlanta this past week, Kincaid had a bigtime outing going 7 innings in front of many college eyes.”

Though according to his own account he feels like he’s just scratching the surface, colleges are taking notice to this projectible hurler from the Triad.  Already having been on several visits to some D1 programs, Kincaid is looking for more opportunities to explore potential suitors.  

And the right program will need to be able to offer him a true college campus experience, a place where he can grow and build relationships with the staff and teammates, and have a chance to be part of a winning culture. But just as important to Owen is the education that goes along with being a student-athlete. 

The Dirtbag GM summed up how he felt about the journey Kincaid has taken in the organization by saying, “I’m excited for the Kincaid family as he will make a college decision soon.  Owen is a prime example of Dirtbags Baseball – work hard, keep nose to the ground and dreams will happen.”

And though he called himself a “monster” when he takes the mound,  it’s looking like those will be sweet dreams for Owen Kincaid