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SPORTS » ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
SPONSORED BY CHILI’S
Article by Joe Bowles
TYLER DANISH A
t just 6’1” and 185 pounds, recent Durant High School graduate and varsity baseball standout Tyler Danish doesn’t possess the build most Major League Baseball scouts typically look for in a potential professional pitcher. And combine that with his unusual three-quarters delivery that borders on sidearm. However, in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft on June 6, Danish—just 18 years old—was drafted number 55 overall by the Chicago White Sox.
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What makes Danish’s draft-day story so unique was that—because of his unorthodox motion—he was not even ranked in the Top 100 prospects on MLB.com. In addition, Danish was marked just 96th overall by Baseball America, perceived as a third round pick. Many scouts only saw injuries on the horizon for the young right-hander. Yet despite not fitting the mold, the White Sox only saw positives in Danish’s game. His success during his senior year in one of Florida’s most competitive high school divisions was unparalleled. In fact, Danish boasted a 0.00 ERA during the 201213 season, allowing zero earned runs and just 32 hits while striking out 156 in 94 innings of work. Danish finished his senior year with a 15-1 record, with his only loss coming at the hands of Newsome High School, a 0-1 defeat. Under his leadership, the Cougars reached the FHSAA Class 8A State Championship game against Lake Brantley High School, finishing the season as state runner-ups and an impressive 25-6-2 record. Danish also earned a countless number of accolades, including Florida Dairy Farmers’ Mr. Baseball, the Tampa Tribune’s Male Athlete of the Year, and many more. “Tyler is not what you’d call a cookie cutter pitcher,” said Durant Head Varsity Baseball Coach Butch Valdez, “but in our division, he was effective.” Apart from his undeniable work ethic and passion for the game, Danish’s unique delivery is actually what makes him successful on the mound. His extremely quick release matched with his low-to-mid 90s fastball, a lethal slider and advanced strike zone control demonstrates he uses his mechanics to his advantage. On June 23, Danish made his professional debut with the Bristol White Sox— Chicago’s rookie level minor league affiliate in Virginia—where he pitched a scoreless and hitless 6th inning of relief, throwing just six pitches to gain three outs against the Elizabethtown Twins. “It felt amazing,” said Danish in regards to his debut. “I flashback to all the years I played, all the work I put into baseball. It just felt like I belong here.” Deciding to play professionally, forgoing his commitment to play for the University of Florida, was difficult for Danish. However, after much consideration and support from family and friends, Danish chose to play for the White Sox, making him one step closer to his ultimate dream. “Baseball truly became my passion from the first T-ball practice I ever had on my 4th birthday,” said Danish. “Playing professional baseball was something I always wanted to do, and my family and I thought that we couldn’t turn down this opportunity.” Already accomplishing his goal to play professional baseball, what’s next for Danish? “To make it to the big leagues, stay there, and hopefully make a name for myself there just like I did in high school,” he said. To date ( July 12), Danish has thrown nine innings, compiling a 2.00 ERA. He has struck out nine while giving up just five hits and two earned runs. To follow Tyler Danish and his professional baseball journey, visit bristolsox.com.
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JULY 2013 focusplantcity.com
Recent Durant High School Graduate and Varsity Baseball Standout Tyler Danish was drafted by the Chicago White Sox and is now pitching for their rookie level minor league affiliate, Bristol White Sox. Photo courtesy of Butch Valdes