Monday, August 27, 2007

Baseball player transfers to St. Leo

Last year’s leader in home runs and RBI for the USF baseball team will not be taking the field for the Bulls next season.

Senior first-baseman Brandin Daniel has transferred to St. Leo University and will be playing for coach Ricky Ware when the season starts next spring.

According to USF coach Lelo Prado, Daniel had been contemplating the move for some time and didn’t specify any reasons for wanting a transfer.

“I think he just wanted a fresh start,” Prado said. “He didn’t know if he wanted to come back and we sat down and talked and he decided to move on. If he would have decided to come back he would have had a place on the team.”

A major part of the lineup last season, Daniel started 58 games for the Bulls and led the team in home runs (7) and RBI (45). His .995 fielding percentage last year was the highest of any USF player with at least 40 starts.

While he admits the loss of Daniel is significant, Prado said he understands the senior’s desire for a change and wishes him luck at his new school.

“He’s definitely a big hole in the lineup because he did lead our team in home runs but you have to want to be here,” Prado said. “He wanted to move on and I wish him nothing but the best.”

- Eric Moeller

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