By Tamas Mondovics
What did not come as a surprise for most that have been following the athletic career of Durant High school graduate, Tyler Danish, were pleased to hear that the talented teen was signed as White Sox second-round pick for a reported full slot value of $1,001,800.
While in high school, Danish, under the direction of Cougars baseball program head coach, Butch Valdes, stood out as an all-around player and outstanding right-hander known for his 90-93 mph fastball who, during his senior season, pitched 94 innings without allowing an earned run while he struck out 156 batters and only walking 16 batters and led his school to its first baseball state championship game.
The White Sox selected Danish with the No. 55 pick overall, drafting the 6’1″ and 185-pound baseball player.
Danish enjoyed the limelight and the list of talented top-senior Hillsborough County high school student-athletes during a surprise celebration in his honor at the home of Tony and Bertha Saladino as he was presented with the 43rd Annual Saladino Memorial Baseball Award, voted by coaches.
“I love the game and since I can remember I have been watching Saladino games, “Danish said. “This award is both an honor and a blessing.”
Joined by his coaching staff, Valdes was also present during the ceremony and spoke highly of Danish and his mixed feelings of losing a great player. “I was fortunate to have you in my house and witness what I’ll never see again,” Valdes told Danish during a brief ceremony, which was followed by the one-of-a-kind, traditional Saladino hospitality.
