It's a perfect spring afternoon in Western New York and a handful of MLB scouts have their eyes on Canisius' Dan Dallas.
"It's been a dream since I was a little kid, so it's feeling really good. It's exciting, it's nerve-wracking."
It's been a whirlwind year for the southpaw. He's what scouts call a "late riser".
"This time last year I was 83, 84 as a lefty from WNY and that's average for around here," he said. "I kept training and then all the sudden the numbers started going up."
12 to 15 teams have all ready reached out to the senior, and more are expected to take a look Dan before June's draft, as he consistently hits the high 80's and low 90's with his fastball.
"You get phone calls, texts and emails and it's a great experience but I try not to let it bug me," he said.
He's got big league DNA, the cousin of Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, a three time All-Star with Arizona.
He's used to being the spotlight, just the second freshman to ever suit up on varsity for Head Coach Bryan Tenney.
"Four years later, it's gotten better and better every year," Tenney said.
After some first inning struggles against St. Mary's of Lancaster, Dan finds his focus.
"It doesn't matter what batter is up, what scout is behind the base, what guy is on base, my job is to pitch strikes and pound the zone."
"I'd go to war with him anytime, that's how special of a young man he is," Tenney added.
As the Ks continue to rise, so does the number on the radar gun as Dan's fastball tops 92 miles per hour.
He finishes with 12 strikeouts in five innings of work and doesn't give up a hit. He walks two and hits two but the most important stat of the day: the "W".
"As the process keeps going here, it's going to get a little more hectic and scary, whatever happens, happens. I got my college education ahead of me and if something else happens, it happens, if not, I'll go play college baseball and I couldn't be more happy."
Dan has all ready committed to playing baseball at Monmouth.
#1 – Dan Dallas, Canisius Baseball
Struck out 12 and did not give up a hit against St. Mary's of Lancaster in a 12-2 win on Monday.
#2 - Eugenio Viera, Lafayette Baseball
Threw a no-hitter and tied a school record with 18 strikeouts in a 5-2 win over Emerson.
"Lafayette's baseball team is built on talent, intelligence, character and faith...Captain Eugenio Viera displayed all of that and utilized his entire arsenal of pitches as he tied a school record of 18 strikeouts while recording a no-hitter vs. a talented Emerson squad." -John Augustine, Head Coach
#3 – Abby D’Amato, Iroquois Lacrosse
Scored five goals in a 13-4 win over Springville.
“Abby has been a staple on offense all season. She has a killer shot and I can always rely on her to deliver when the team really needs her. She is an excellent leader and everybody really looks up to her and follows her example.” – Leah Bernal, Head Coach
#4 – Evan Printup, Niagara-Wheatfield Lacrosse
Scored six goals and added an assist in a 19-7 win over Lake Shore
"Evan is a great midfielder who has a lot of athleticism and scoring ability. He had almost 70 goals last year as a 2nd Team All Western New York midfielder. Evan brings a tough mental attitude and a strong desire to compete every game. He is continuing to lead the team in goals and on field presence once again. “
#5 – Sydney Cerza, Clarence Lacrosse
Scored four goals and added five assists in a 14-11 win over Hamburg
“She is leading us with 9 goals and 14 assists this season. Sydney is one of the most dynamic players I’ve ever coached. It starts from the draw and she runs the entire field for us. She is a presence on attack and on defense. She’s great in all aspects of the game. She’s leading us in draw control and ground balls. Her competitive nature and true leadership by example is her greatest asset. A captain and an outstanding kid to coach.” - Jocelyn Canaday, Head Coach
#6 – Cam Meadows, Royalton-Hartland
Threw a no-hitter and struck out 12 in the Rams’ 5-0 win over Albion.
“Meadows, who succeeds by mixing his pitches and keeping hitters off balance, has allowed only one unearned run in 14 innings. - Jeff Ziemecki, Head Coach
#7 – Brinee Torrey, Olean Softball
Went 3-4 in the Huskies’ 5-0 win over Hamburg and currently leads Olean with 8 RBI this season.
