West Delaware’s Putz powers Hawks

MANCHESTER - Hard work and a love for baseball has powered West Delaware's Dallyn Putz.

The Hawks junior infielder has parlayed them into impressive batting statistics, aspiring to play college baseball.

'I always like to show up early,” said Putz, a fan of Louisiana State University who rooted for Vanderbilt in NCAA Division I World Series because of SEC ties. 'I usually like to be the last one to leave. I like the extra rep. I know if I want to play at the next level I'm going to work harder and keep improving my skills. There is always room to improve.”

Putz had a double and scored in Class 3A second-ranked West Delaware's 6-1 home win last night against Solon in a game resumed in the second inning after rain halted it June 16.

First-year West Delaware head coach Nate Lahr said Putz serves as the image of the program, heading the charge in preseason activities and in competition.

'On the field, he's a leader,” Lahr said. 'He's not real vocal. He shows a great example. If there is anything you want to see, take a look over at third base. He gets the job done.”

He became a key contributor last season, leading the Hawks in batting average (.372), hits (42) and runs (25). Putz has approached those numbers, owning a team best .417 batting average, 30 hits, 33 runs and 10 stolen bases.

His mentality at the plate is simple and geared toward helping the team.

'I just try to see every pitch come in,” Putz said. 'I try to hit it where it's pitched. I don't try to do too much with it and when I get my pitch drive it.”

Putz is a solid all-around player, who was a first-team all-Wamac and Iowa High School Baseball Association all-district selection last year. He thrives at the plate, and Lahr said he is glad to have him another year as well.

'He's been swinging the bat well all year,” Lahr said. 'He doesn't try to do too much and when he gets on base he can wreak havoc there, too.

'He's a great guy to have. We're fortunate to have him for another year, too.”

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