NEWARK,
N.Y. – Matt Dacey wasn’t originally supposed to participate in
this week’s PGCBL All-Star Game festivities, but he was a late
addition to the Home Run Derby, and powered his way to a derby
victory.
The
New Jersey native is a familiar face at PG events; he was a
participant in 15 events in his amateur career. Dacey always
displayed excellent power, and the power wasn’t contained at the
PGCBL Home Run Derby.
Dacey
struggled to get a feel for his stroke, recording five consecutive
outs to begin his first round.
“I
got to five outs pretty quick and I knew going in that I needed at
least one to make the second round so that was my goal. Once I got a
couple outs on the board I was like ‘If I can just get one to make
it to the next round my swing is gonna come I know that.’ So that
was my strategy going in and then as the rounds went on I found my
stroke and the ball started carrying.”
Once
Dacey found his stroke, he was in it to win it. He powered three home
runs in the final round to take the victory over Buddy Putnam
(USF/Glens Falls Golden Eagles), who homered twice in the final
round.
Dacey
was proudly representing the Albany Dutchmen.
“Being
asked to do this by the Dutchmen is an honor. Just competing against
these guys. Having fun out here hitting the ball as far as we can you
know it’s a lot of fun. And watching the big leaguers on TV you
don't understand how actually hard it is do that.”
The
rising sophomore will take his talents to Richmond next season. Dacey
attended Michigan this past season, but he thinks Richmond is a
better fit for him.
“I
thought it was the best scenario for me to leave and pursue a
different path at Richmond. I had talked with some of my high school
coaches back home and they linked me up with some of the Richmond
guys and I have a great opportunity there going next year in the
fall.”
“Michigan’s
a bit tough, the winter’s a bit harsh,” Dacey chuckled, “But I
think I’ll be at a pretty good spot in Virginia.”
Although
Dacey didn’t see game action at Michigan, he feels that he was able
to improve his game dramatically.
“In
high school you’re just kind of going out there and playing, just
putting your skills into the game. But once you reach college you
start to realize how much strategy is put into the game and how you
think things through—learn from each at-bat, learn from plays in
the field, how guys are pitching to you. So I think in the mental
game I’ve grown tremendously.”
Playing
in the PGCBL has also been huge for Dacey.
“I
think (the PGCBL has) prepared me really well. Coming up here playing
against kids from big time schools—ACC, SEC guys—and seeing the
pitching here is great. Kids are throwing 90-plus miles an hour. You
really get to see some great competition and fine-tune your game
against those guys. And I think I’ll be more than prepared for
college next season.”
Dacey’s
summer experience has him energized and ready to take on the
challenges he will face next season at Richmond.