USPBL Pitcher Dugan Darnell Signed by Colorado Rockies
February 9th, 2021
ROCHESTER, Mich. —The United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) today announced that Northville native 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, 6’2”, 200 lb., right-handed pitcher from Northville, Michigan, appeared in 23 games with 51 strikeouts for the Eastside Diamond Hoppers. In the 2020 baseball season, Darnell earned 5 saves and only allowed 4 runs. He finished the season with a 0.31 ERA. Darnell played collegiate baseball at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan before signing with the Hoppers in 2019.
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.”
Justin Orenduff, 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 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. Best of luck Dugan!”