By John Orrell, Contributing Writer
Worcester – When it came time to switch uniforms to transform into a Worcester Braveheart this spring, the transition was probably the simplest for Shrewsbury’s Danny Barlok than any other team member.
That’s because Barlok is a member of the baseball team for the College of the Holy Cross and since the Bravehearts play their home games at Worcester’s Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field, the same venue as the Crusaders, the 6’, 190 lb. right-handed pitcher was already where he needed to be.
The Bravehearts are one of 10 teams from various parts of New England that comprise the Future Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL). The team plays 28 home games and 28 away games and consistently draws between two and three thousand fans on any given night.
“It’s nice to play on the field that I’ve been playing on for the past four months and will play on for the next three years,” said Barlok of his summer baseball venue. “Being local is helpful but I think the kids that come from far away are doing well also.”
“As a local guy and this being his home field and clubhouse during the spring, there’s a lot of benefits,” said Braveheart manager J.P. Pyne. “Danny gets the importance of the Bravehearts here. I think all of our local guys have seen what this team brings to this area and that’s a benefit to us all. It’s nice to not only have local guys but local guys who are impactful on our season and Danny’s one of those guys.”
Another attraction to Barlok’s coaches is his mental toughness in part stemming from his years on the ice for St. John’s High School where he competed on the varsity hockey team for three seasons.
“Danny brings a lot of mental toughness to the game as well as competitiveness,” said Pyne. “He brings that every day and he’s sort of the consummate teammate. He’s been a real bright spot for us.”
In agreement is Crusaders manager Greg Dicenzo of his pitcher who compiled a 3-3 record and an ERA of 4.14 in 2016.
“Being also a hockey player, Danny comes to us with the toughness that we like to see. He plays with a comfortable swagger and if he gets knocked down, he gets right back up,” Dicenzo said. “He’s still learning how to pitch as opposed to being a thrower but has a good arm and has really refined his game so that he can work both sides of the plate.”
“He’s a really great kid to have on this team. He cares about his teammates and the school. He knows it’s a privilege to wear the ‘HC’ and never loses sight of that. You can really say that he ‘bleeds purple’ which is the kind of commitment we look for in our guys.”
Barlok took to the ice at age three and for some time it appeared that hockey would be his chosen sport. But in his senior season with the Pioneers, he realized that baseball was his greater passion and has continued that love of the game onto Holy Cross and now onto the Braveheart squad.
Jumping from high school to college is never easy, Barlok, a team captain, admits, even though the transition came from being on one of the state’s most elite baseball schools.
“In high school, pitching is dominated by the fastball,” he explained. “A lot of kids can throw the fastball for strikes and that can get you through a game. But in college, you have to have at least three or four pitches that you can throw for strikes. The level is increased because every single player is a Division 1 athlete. It’s a tough adjustment, but once you do it’s all fine.”
“The transition to the Bravehearts wasn’t too bad,” he added. “It’s definitely different playing in a packed stadium but you get used to it real quick. Summer ball is a time to hone in on things you need to work on but also in a relaxed environment which I think is necessary. You need a little break from the grueling days of college baseball but it’s great to be here especially meeting kids from across the country.”
Barlok has been used in a variety of roles to date this season including middle relief and in closing situations. He currently is 2-1 with an impressive ERA of 3.14. A starting role is not out of the question, says Pyne.
Like all his teammates who have advanced to the Futures level, Barlok has dreams of what could be if all goes in the right direction. But for now, he stays focused on the task at hand, that being the best he can be as a Braveheart. The rest will take care of itself.
“Everybody who plays on this team dreams of becoming a professional baseball player and I don’t believe that’s any different for me. I think it’s also important that you get your degree and complete school doing your best in the classroom. But I think, of course, we all want to get drafted someday and play in the MLB (Major League Baseball). Unfortunately, it’s not going to be a reality for everyone but we can hope, can’t we?”
Photos/submitted
