By Justin Lada
NILES, OH — You can’t script stories any better than this. From spring to fall it’s been a good year of baseball for Dan Fiorito. From being named as the Freedom Conference Player of the Year for Manhattanville College, hitting three home runs in a conference playoff game then being a New York Collegiate Baseball League All-Star. The journey for Fiorito has continued as he signed a contract with his home town team, the New York Yankees.
Fiorito has played for the Syracuse Salt Cats for the last two seasons in the NYCBL, being named an All-Star both seasons and got a contract offer yesterday from his favorite MLB team. He is also the first Salt Cat in the franchise’s history to sign a contract with an MLB team.
After working out for a few different MLB teams this spring, Fiorito came back to Syracuse and hit .328 with seven home runs and seven doubles, 29 RBIs and helped lead the Salt Cats to their first NYBCL playoff appearance in the franchise’s two seasons in the league.
Fiorito did have one more season of athletic eligibility at Manhantanville, but the opportunity to play for his favorite team was too good to pass up. The shortstop from Yonkers explained the process of how he was signed, and how he came to realize his dream.
“I got invited to a workout at Yankee Stadium, and they liked what they saw so they invited me to Tampa to workout. After workouts they signed me this morning, and I’m here for five more days.. I report back in January for spring training, and they will see where I will go play come spring. Dream come true no other way to put it,” Fiorito said of signing with the team he grew up rooting for.
The entire Salt Cats franchise has had an outpouring of congratulations for Fiorito on signing his pro contract.
Team owner and manager Mike Martinez Sr.: “Danny was one of the most dedicated, committed college players I have ever coached. He is a team player with a very aggressive but controlled approach. He has all the tools needed to be successful at the next level and the work ethic and character to succeed in pro ball. This is a huge step for our (Salt Cats) program. It shows that grass roots programs with goals and objectives can have quality players who can compete at the highest levels with some of the best collegiate players from the Division 1 level to Jr. College. I wish Dan well and know he will be an asset to the New York Yankees”
A quiet leader on the field, Fiorito was a mainstay for the Salt Cats at shortstop all season and moved to third base when an injury ended the Salt Cats regular third basemen, Jake Cintolo’s season. Fiorito not only flashed consistent power, but a great batting eye, earning his way on base 28 times via a free pass, compared to just 17 strikeouts.
All the work Fiorito has put in since his freshman year of college hasn’t surprised anyone, especially former Salt Cat teammate and coach Ben Przepiora.
“Dan is a tremendous ballplayer whose hard work is finally rewarded with a contract. I can’t think of any other person who’s more deserving of this opportunity to play professionally.”
Salt Cats broadcaster Tom Goslowski, who has seen Fiorito in both of his NYCBL All-Star seasons said “I have had a chance to watch Fiorito play the past two seasons and he was a true leader for the Salt Cats. Of Course Fiorito was outstanding with his bat but I was always so impressed with his glove, he was always made tough plays look so simple. I hope that Fiorito signing with the 27 times champion Yankees is a sign for the continuing growing success of the Syracuse Salt Cats franchise.”
It would be fair to say Fiorito might go down as the best Salt Cats player in the franchise’s four years of operations. After finishing the year at the Yankees spring training complex in Tampa Bay, Florida, the next step for Fiorito will be to use his determination, leadership and tireless work ethic to become the first Salt Cat ever to reach the Major Leagues.
Fiorito on realizing the first step of his dream; “Thanks to my family, cousins, girlfriend, friends, teammates and everyone who was there with me along the ride. Dream come true. No better feeling.”
Congrats to Dan Fiorito from the 2012 Salt Cats club:
Rutgers-Newark OF Jimmy Napolitano: “I’ve had the honor to meet/play with a great ball player who earned and deserves to wear the pinstripes. Hoping for the best man.”
Keuka College INF/OF Mike Martinez JR: “I can now say a kid I played with signed with the Yankees. Congrats Danny Fiorito!”
Salt Cats Pitching Coach Shaun Caveny: “Big congratulations to Danny Fiorito for signing with the Yankees today! Good Luck and Keep up the good work!”
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Pitcher John Milder: “Shout out to Danny Fiorito on signing with the New York Yankees today! Keep on doing your thing out there man.”
University of Oklahoma-Panhandle Pitcher Corey Mingin: “Wanna give a big shout out to Papa. Congrats on being picked up by the Yanks. Give it your all. Your time to shine. Make the most of it!!!”
2011 Salt Cats OF Anthony Siracusa (the first Salt Cat ever to sign a contract with a pro baseball team): “Congrats to my former Salt Cats teammate Danny Fiorito on signing with the New York Yankees; well deserved my dude. Good luck to you.”
Justin Lada writes for the Lake County-Sentinel. You can follow him on Twitter @nextyearinCLE
Danny did have, as the article states, an extra year of eligibility, but I would add that he graduated with a BA in History in May, 2012. I had the pleasure of serving as his academic advisor for all four of his college years and everyone here at Manhattanville agrees that no one deserves this accolade and opportunity more than Danny. Thanks from Purchase, New York for a great article about a great ballplayer and a great guy.
Lawson,
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Welcome to the Pine. Great to learn of Dan’s academic pursuits.
https://www.govaliants.com/news/2012/8/24/BB_0824121221.aspx