Hooks' Joey Loperfido off to torrid start in first Double-A season
When Joey Loperfido finally received his Double-A opportunity, he made sure not to waste it.
Loperfido was promoted to the Hooks on April 20 and instantly began to cause fits for opposing pitchers.
Loperfido homered in his first four games at the Double-A level and hit safely in his first eight contests. The left-handed slugger from Duke also hit better than .400 in his first week in Corpus Christi.
"Anytime you're able to consistently have good at-bats and put good swings on the ball, you're going to feel good," Loperfido said. "To keep doing it and being consistent with it is a challenge, but that's why I work every day. I just have to keep at it."
Fast forward to May and Loperfido is still hitting just shy of .400, going 23 of 66 in April with five home runs, two triples, four doubles and 19 RBI.
Loperfido was rewarded for his stellar play by being named the Astros' minor league player of the month.
"It's cool... It's always cool to get that kind of recognition," Loperfido said. "Our hitting coach (Bobby Bell) mentioned to us the other day that the guys up top are watching. It's not why we play, but it's always a nice bonus."
Loperfido was a standout at Duke where he was labeled a "Swiss Army Knife" for his ability to shine as an infielder and outfielder. Loperfido was key in helping the Blue Devils reach three consecutive NCAA tournaments for the first time in the program's rich history.
In his final college season in 2021, Loperfido was named team captain after hitting .374, which was the seventh highest in Duke history and good enough for second in the ACC.
Loperfido led the team with 24 multi-hit games in Duke's run to the ACC title.
The Astros seventh round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft has continued that trend and has soared through the early stages of his minor league career. Loperfido said he wants to continue swinging a hot bat and hopefully get a chance to play at the next level.
"It's incredibly motivating knowing that if you keep doing the right things and go about your business the right way, you might get fortunate enough to get an opportunity at the next level," Loperfido said. "It's motivating, especially on a day-to-day basis."
Loperfido praised first-year Hooks manager Joe Thon, who managed Loperfido in Class A Fayeteville last season. The familiarity of coaches, plus an established clubhouse has been key in his early success.
"It's been really fun," Loperfido said. "I'm fortunate to have played for Joe Thon last year and pretty much the same exact staff from Fayeteville. Between that and a great clubhouse of guys, it's been an easy transition. Coming in and making an impact to help win some ball games has been great and a lot of fun."
Loperfido also credited his offseason routine for his hot start to the 2023 season. Loperfido made changes in his diet and spent more time in the weight room.
"I think the offseason for me was more difficult because you're putting so much time into your body," Loperfido said. "I spent a lot of time in the weight room, a lot of time in the grocery store eating the right things and putting in a ton of work. Coming in and getting a good start to the season is a product of all the hard work I put in during the offseason."
Alex McKenna, Cesar Gomez and Franny Cobos are the latest Hooks player sent to Triple-A and a promotion could be in the works for the 23-year-old Loperfido. For now, though, Loperfido is keeping a "one game at a time" approach.
"I don't focus a ton on statistical goals because everyone in our clubhouse works hard enough during the offseason," Loperfido said. "To put a cap on yourself statistically would be a disservice but I think if I can stay healthy, get better everyday and keep helping win ballgames for this team, I'll be happy."
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Hooks' Joey Loperfido off to torrid start in first Double-A season
