Baseball has been a fixture in Sinclair Pride sophomore Dan Marsh’s life ever since the 21-year-old could remember. But when the centerfielder went down with a broken left pinkie while diving for a ball last spring, it became a difficult experience.
“I thought I broke my wrist at first,” Marsh said. “I looked down and my finger was going the wrong way.”
Marsh was given an ultimatum after his surgery to repair his finger: come back with a handful of games to play or accept a medical redshirt and receive an extra year of eligibility.
Sinclair coach Steve Dintaman said losing Marsh for the season was a definite blow to the team last year, but felt as though the Pride responded well.
“It’s always tough when you get injured,” Marsh said. “Last year was particularly tough because I didn’t plan on being at Sinclair for two years. It was going to be a one-year stop and then off to somewhere else.
Road to Sinclair
After graduating from Troy in 2006, Marsh received a scholarship to Findlay University. Marsh only spent his freshman season with the Oilers.
“I based my decision on baseball and not really what they had to offer academically,” he said on his decision to attend Findlay. “I was having trouble figuring out what I wanted to study.”
When Marsh couldn’t decide on a major at Findlay, he chose to transfer to Sinclair because of its low tuition.
“I knew I could continue playing baseball, so it seemed like the logical choice to save money,” Marsh said. “There is no point to staying at a four-year school and not knowing what you want to study when you can come here and save money and still play ball.”
Bouncing back
Marsh rebounded well from his season-ending injury and returned to his leadoff spot in full form. Through 39 games, Marsh is hitting .398 with 46 runs and 13 steals.
“I was definitely more focused coming into this year because I knew I wanted to prepare myself to have a great season,” he said.
The Pride’s record stands at 29-10, as of April 24. Dintaman said the team chemistry is at its highest peak.
Studies mean a lot
While at Sinclair, Marsh hasn’t slacked in the classroom. One of Sinclair’s four captains, Marsh owns a 3.7 GPA while knocking out his core classes. He said it’s frustrating when he sees athletes not doing their job in class.
“It’s not that hard,” said Marsh on earning the mandated 2.0 GPA. “You just put in a little bit of effort and you’re going to pass your classes.”
Dintaman expects Marsh to earn his second Academic All-American selection at the end of the quarter.
Marsh said his door is always open to help with any studies.
“If you’re struggling, ask for help. That’s the bottom line,” he said.
Though he has yet to decide on a specific major, Marsh plans on entering the environmental science field when he moves on to a four-year college. Wright State University, Urbana University and Wagner College are among the schools interested in Marsh.
“(Marsh) just gets it done and leads by example,” Dintaman said. “I wouldn’t say he is one of the more vocal leaders, but he doesn’t have to be. He gains respect from his actions.”