José Daniel Betancur is a dedicated baseball player for NorcalCGE baseball and Indermedellin Colômbia, where he takes on the roles of catcher and shortstop. From a young age, he fell in love with the game and has put in countless hours of training to sharpen his skills. As a catcher, he thrives on being a leader and staying involved in every play, while at shortstop he enjoys the challenge of covering ground and making quick decisions. Known for his work ethic and commitment to improvement, José Daniel continues to grow as a key player for his team and a promising athlete with big goals for the future.

How did you first get started playing?
I started playing baseball when I was 5 years old, right after moving to South San Francisco. I quickly fell in love with the game and joined local teams. Since then, baseball has become my passion and I have worked hard every day to improve.

What position do you play, and what do you love most about it?
I play as a catcher and shortstop. What I like the most about being a catcher is being involved in every play, leading the team, and working closely with the pitcher. As a shortstop, I enjoy the challenge of covering a lot of ground, making quick decisions, and being a key part of the defense.

Who introduced you to the sport or inspired your passion for the game?
My dad was the one who introduced me to baseball. Both of my parents have always been athletes; they used to play basketball and they have always supported me in sports. Since I was little, they encouraged me to stay active, and my dad motivated me to try baseball, which quickly became my passion.

What’s been your most memorable moment on the field so far?
My most memorable moment on the field so far has been being named MVP twice. It was an amazing feeling to see my hard work and dedication recognized, and it motivates me to keep pushing myself to reach higher levels.

How has your game evolved since you first started playing?
Since I first started playing, my game has evolved a lot. At the beginning I was just learning the basics, but over the years I’ve improved my hitting, fielding, and game awareness. Training every day and playing with older and stronger teammates has pushed me to get faster, stronger, and more confident on the field.

What does a typical training week look like for you during the season?
During the season, my training week is very structured. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I start with 45 minutes of track and field to improve my coordination and speed. After that, I train with my age group team, and then finish the day with my hitting coach. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I practice with players from the 15–16 year-old category, which pushes me to compete at a higher level and improve faster.

How do you mentally prepare for games? Any pregame rituals or routines?
Before every game, I make sure to stay hydrated and do my stretches. I step on the field with a winner’s mindset and say a quick prayer for a great game.

What’s one skill you’ve worked hardest to improve?
The skill I’ve worked the hardest to improve is my hitting. I practice every day with my coach to get stronger and more consistent at the plate.

How do you handle slumps or rough stretches during the season?
When I go through tough moments or a slump, I stay focused and keep practicing. I remind myself to stay positive, trust my training, and keep giving my best for the team.

Do you play or train year-round, or take time off in the offseason?
I only take a break in the off-season, and I like to play other sports like basketball to stay active and have fun.

What do you value most about being part of your team?
What I value most about being part of a team is learning from my teammates, supporting each other, and working together to achieve our goals.

How do you balance individual performance with team goals?
I focus on improving my own skills, but I always make sure my efforts help the team succeed. Winning as a team is more important than personal stats.

Who’s a teammate that inspires or pushes you to be better?
My teammate @monspearsjr inspires me the most because of his work ethic and dedication. He pushes me to train harder and give my best every day.

How do you respond to pressure in high-stakes moments?
In high-pressure moments, I stay calm and focus on what I can control. I trust my training and try to make smart decisions for the team.

What has the sport taught you about life beyond the field?
Sports have taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to stay positive even when things get tough. These lessons help me in school, with friends, and in everyday life.

How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
I stay motivated by remembering my goals and why I started playing. I keep practicing, stay positive, and focus on improving a little every day.

Who is a role model or professional athlete you look up to and why?
As a baseball player, I admire Ronald Acuña Jr. for his talent and skill on the field. As an athlete, I admire Michael Jordan for his incredible discipline and all his achievements.

What are your goals moving forward in your athletic career?
My future goals are to keep improving my skills, play at higher levels, and help my team win championships. I also want to inspire younger players to work hard and love the game.

If you could give advice to a younger player just starting out, what would it be?
My advice would be to work hard, practice every day, and never give up. Listen to your coaches, stay positive, and most importantly, enjoy yourself and have fun playing the game.

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