Marko Vykoukal: I hope I can help Skokani to plenty of wins

The interview was originally conducted in Czech by Martin Poledna.

Skokani were looking for new players in the transfer market. One of the new names is Marko Vykoukal, who used to play for Extraliga champions Arrows Ostrava. The player, who has international experience with Slovak national team, should play as a starting pitcher in Olomouc. Fans are looking forward to seeing this experienced player in their colors.

What was behind the loan to Olomouc?

The idea of the loan started the moment Jakub Voják, with whom I played in Arrows Ostrava, told me, he would be returning back to Olomouc and that he would like to help Skokani back to Extraliga. Since it was becoming difficult to find time to play fully in Extraliga, I told Jakub, I would be happy to help him and Skokani.

Will you be a pitcher or do you plan to play in the field as well?

For now, I’d like to play on the mound, but I’m competitive and I like to play, so I’m not saying no to playing in the field. However, this will depend on the managers.

You are part of Arrows Ostrava roster. Will you play for them as well?

Yes, it is true I’m on Arrows roster, however, we haven’t really talked about playing with the club and so I will spend my entire play time with Skokani.

You represented Slovakia. How is that possible? Will you be representing them in future?

Since I’m born in Slovakia and I hold Slovak passport and double citizenship, it is not unusual, and there’s plenty of people like me. Slovak national team asked me if I could help them – and that’s what I’m trying to do, considering my time. We will play Prague Baseball Week with Slovak team this year and also qualification to European Championship, which, if I remember correctly, will take place in Bratislava.

What are your goals for First League season?

We talked about the goals with Jakub Voják and Martin Schneider and it is very clear – play Promotional League with Extraliga teams and fight for the promotion. These will be high quality games that Skokani, as a young team, need. Naturally, we want to play in Extraliga, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself, as I focus on the First league games right now.

How difficult it is to combine difficult job and sport?

As I said, my time is rather limited, since I work as a policeman. But if one wills they will find the way. I hope to play over the weekends as much as possible and that I can help Skokani get as many wins as possible.

Marko Vykoukal started in the first game. His experience was on the display and he energized his team even after he was substituted, when he acted as the third base coach. It will be interesting to watch the player in Olomouc colors.