ROCHESTER, Mich.--The United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) today announced that Northville native and former Adrian College standout Dugan Darnell, a pitcher for the Eastside Diamond Hoppers in 2019 and 2020, has been signed by the Colorado Rockies organization. Darnell is the 38th USPBL player to be signed by a Major League organization since the start of the USPBL's inaugural season in 2016.
Darnell, a 23-year-old, 6-foot-2, 200-pound, right-hander from Northville High School, appeared in 23 games with 51 strikeouts for the Eastside Diamond Hoppers in 2020. Darnell earned five saves and only allowed four runs. He finished the season with a 0.31 earned-run average.
Darnell attributed his success to his experience in the USPBL, saying, "I'm extremely excited and humbled to join the Rockies organization. I can't thank the USPBL enough for a life changing experience. From the relationships built on and off the field, to the progress made on the mound, I'll always be thankful I got a shot in the USPBL," said Darnell. "I came to Jimmy John's Field every day looking for ways to better myself, and with the help of Justin Orenduff, Shane McCatty, Alan Oaks, and a number of other coaches and teammates, I was able to reach my goals and then some. It's a dream come true and I'm excited to get to work.
"I also couldn't get where I am today without my experience as an Adrian Bulldog."
Orenduff, the USPBL Director of Baseball Operations, said of Darnell, "Dugan significantly enhanced his skill set during his time in the USPBL. He went from throwing 88-91 (mph) to 92-95 in less than a year. His desire to understand his craft and dedication to his strength and conditioning program, propelled him to become a MLB Prospect. He took initiative and took full control of his career to provide himself an opportunity at the next level. The league wishes the best of luck, Dugan!"
Darnell signed with the Hoppers in 2019 after a D3baseball.com All-America performance during his senior season with the Bulldogs. He notched career bests of 41 runs scored, 48 hits, 12 doubles, two triples, four home runs, 43 runs batted in, 26 walks and .497 slugging while batting .314 and getting on base 46.0 percent of the time as a consensus all-region pick and All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association First Team third baseman. He also made his mark on the mound for the first time in his collegiate career, posting a league-best and school-record eight saves for 14th in NCAA Division III. He held opponents to a .081 batting average while recording a 0.39 ERA and whopping 37 strikeouts in 23.0 innings.
He finished his Adrian career with 128 hits for 23rd on the program's all-time chart and eight saves for a third-place tie.
Darnell joins Tommy Parsons '18 (St. Louis Cardinals) and Ryan Dorow '17 (Texas Rangers) as Bulldogs to sign with Major League Baseball. All three will report to their respective training camps this spring.
Adrian baseball coach Craig Rainey '89, who enters his 29th season with 695 career wins at the helm, added, "We were very elated to hear that Dugan had signed with the Rockies. He has been grinding since graduating to make his dream happen. Through much sweat and perseverance, he has finally received the opportunity he has earned. His numbers at Adrian College and the USPBL are simply remarkable for a guy that really started taking pitching serious as a senior in college. The numbers and Dugan's work ethic put him in a position that the Rockies gave him a chance. Couldn't be happier for Dugan, the guy is a baseball player living a dream and what could be better than that. Looking forward to following Dugan, Tommy and Ryan this season as they all take the next step in their professional careers. Great times for Baseball at Adrian."
#GoDawgs #BringyourAgame
(Editor's Note: USPBL Marketing & Public Relations contributed to this news release.)