Catching up with Kenny Dickson
10/3/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Oct. 3, 2008
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - At one point in USC Upstate's baseball history, Kenny Dickson owned five career, seven single-season, and five single-game school records. In his time at the University, Dickson was recognized for his abilities on the baseball field in being the third player to be inducted into the USC Upstate Athletics Hall of Fame, a well-deserved accomplishment. His commendable play also earned him All-District Six honors, while being named a District Six Player of the Week selection on two occasions.
Though he played here for just two years, Dickson's impact on the program was substantial. After transferring from Anderson College, Dickson joined the inaugural varsity baseball program at Upstate in 1986. He set an exemplary model for his teammates, being named a team captain in 1987. He finished his two-year career with a .405 batting average, which still remains tops in USC Upstate's record book. He also concluded with 123 hits, including 32 doubles, 25 home runs, and one triple. His 20 doubles, 36 extra-base hits, and 146 total bases in 1986 all still remain school records. He totaled 94 RBIs, scored 103 runs, and finished his career with a slugging percentage of .759.
Present head coach, Matt Fincher, has nothing but positive things to say about Dickson and the impact he has made on the baseball program at USC Upstate. "Ken has been an ardent supporter of USC Upstate athletics for a number of years," Fincher said. "He was one of the most talented players in our history. Most importantly, he understands the role of intercollegiate athletics in the education process and sees the potential of our institution. He is an invaluable asset to the baseball program; one who provides a great deal of assistance and motivation."
Following his graduation from USC Upstate, Dickson was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 15th round of the 1987 Major League Baseball Draft and played for two seasons in the organization. He would then play stints with the Asheville Tourists, but an injury ended his professional playing career.
Dickson is also an exceptional character off the field. Upstate head softball coach and former teammate, Chris Hawkins, describes him in saying, "I don't think it is possible to have a more loyal friend. Kenny and I have known each other forever. He was there for me in good times and bad. He made me a tougher person. If you ask anybody from the good old days what they remembered most about our program, Kenny's name will be mentioned every time!"
Today, Dickson, a former USC Upstate baseball player and current alumni, is a hardware maintenance manager at QS/1 Data Systems in Spartanburg. He was been with the company for over 18 years. Dickson recently spoke with Sarah Hurd, of upstatespartans.com, about his past experiences at USC Upstate and the transition he made upon his graduation in falling into his career at QS/1 Data Systems.
Can you tell us a little about what your experience was like at USC Upstate?
It was just awesome! I look around every day and see the benefits from my time at USC Upstate. From my wife, Page, of 17 years, to the contacts I met that opened doors and gave me opportunities, as well as the life-long friends that I made.
Why did you transfer from Anderson to USC Upstate?
At the time, Anderson was a Junior College. John Daurity, the coach of USC Spartanburg at the time, was the primary reason I chose to come to Upstate and finish my education and prolong my playing career. I was very impressed with him as a person and his history as a coach. He really did an unbelievable job of building a program.
What is your relationship like with head coach Matt Fincher?
I have gotten to know Matt more the past couple of years and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him not only as a coach but also as a person. He always has time to talk with me and often has to remind me that things are not the same as they were 20-plus years ago. He has a desire to take the program to places it has never been but at the same time, keep it respectable. From what I have seen, he has a system that demands discipline, and I like that very much.
What was your most memorable highlight while playing on the baseball team here at Upstate?
My teammates and the success we experienced those first two seasons. We had talent but we also had great character. I reflect back on those days and really regret that we didn't have more time together. As you get older, life creates distance and obstacles that make it more difficult to get together, but the friendships are still the same.
Who was your professional baseball hero growing up?
George Brett. I admired the passion and drive he showed for the game. He was a great role model for aspiring players growing up.
What made you become re-involved in the Upstate baseball community?
Getting to know Matt Fincher! When I was introduced to him, I met a person who took a job that was not very flattering and is determined to make it a job any coach would love to have. I think he has accomplished his goal.
You played with head softball coach Chris Hawkins while you were here. Both of you were drafted and played minor league baseball. Did you ever compete against each other?
Yes. We were in the same conference in high school as well as American Legion. We also had some pretty fierce games of cards and nerf ball. I will let you poll Chris for the results of these!
What was it like playing in the minor leagues?
It was definitely an experience. All my life, baseball was a sport that I really enjoyed. It took about one day as a professional to realize that it was a job. It was really weird that all my past coaches had always preached the team concept but suddenly it became all about the individual. You still wanted the team to do well, but if you didn't succeed as an individual, you would not have a job. Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful that I had the opportunity that so many people work their entire lives and never get the chance to do what I did. However, it opened my eyes in many ways.
After an unforgettable career here, you were the third Upstate player to be inducted into the USC Upstate Athletics Hall of Fame. What does this mean to you?
I am thankful that the Lord gave me the ability to play a sport that I loved so much, and someone saw me worthy for such an honor. I feel that any of my teammates could have been chosen. It really puts closure to a career that I thought had already been closed and makes me realize even more how blessed I have been.
You got injured while playing. Was it a career ending injury?
I did report the next year, but it was not the same. It definitely limited what I was able to do. When I went to Houston for surgery, I met Nolan Ryan. He encouraged me to stay strong and not let the injury get me down. He told me that an injury would take its toll on you mentally as well as physically if you were not careful. He was right.
What do you do for your career now?
I work at QS/1 Data Systems in Spartanburg and have been here for 18-plus years. I really enjoy my job and it reminds me of those days at Upstate, a great group of people that I really enjoy being around.
Do you ever want to become involved with baseball in any way in the future?
I sure hope so. I don't want to be pushy but my five-year-old son, Matthew, has shown some interest lately. If he decides he wants to play, I hope to be helpful in some manner.
