Friday’s New Era will feature a profile of Dario Delgado and a story on Thursday’s game, which focuses on the triumphant return of Quincy Foster – who went 2-for-5 with an RBI and run scored.
Delgado, 27, is anxious to prove his best days aren’t behind him. Coming off a subpar season, the designated hitter will try to return to the form he showed in 2004 and 2005, when he was one of the league’s best hitters.
“That’s why I came here, to get my numbers back,” he said. “I want to help the team win, do my best and be one of the Top 10 players in the league like I used to be.”
In the first spring training game, Delgado batted fifth and was the designated hitter against lefty starter John Halama. Because he can play third base and provide right-handed power, he was a great fit for this team.
Delgado and manager Frank Klebe were together with Batavia of the New York-Penn League in 2000. When Klebe called up the slugger and offered him a job during the offseason, Delgado didn’t think twice.
“I love playing for Frank,” he said. “He’s a good guy and he’s a hard worker.”
Delgado has never advanced above Single-A, largely because of his defense, and has spent most of the past six years in independent ball.
What brings him back each season?
“I love the game,” he said. “I’ve been playing baseball since I was four or five years old. I signed professionally when I was 17. Baseball is my heart. It’s my life.”
For more, check out the New Era.
