Former Canisius Grad Dan Dallas Joining Padres

Canisius High School product Dan Dallas (’16) received word early Wednesday that he would be joining the San Diego Padres, the team that drafted him. The transaction was listed on the MLB team’s official website.

“I just got word today when I got to the field that I would be backing up in the pen for the big league game,” Dallas said. “I was excited a little but still just tried to look at it as another game, to get prepared.”

Dallas called home to let his folks and former coaches know.

The Padres hosted the Milwaukee Brewers at Peoria Stadium in Peoria, AZ Wednesday night. The Brewers won 10-7. San Diego used 6 different pitchers and at one point, Dallas was even told to warm up in the late innings. “The pitching coach called down and said ‘get Dallas hot’ and I began to warm up,” Dallas said, adding “but the pitcher ended up getting out of the inning.”

It was a great experience overall Dallas said. Padres free agent acquisition Manny Machado belted his first home run of spring training during the first inning.

“It was awesome hearing the stories and philosophies on the game from all the veterans,” Dallas said. “You learn a lot sitting in the bullpen for 9 innings.”

The Padres have an off day Thursday. Dallas is not sure what the next move is but Wednesday is one he won’t soon forget.

Dallas reported to the Arizona League Padres after officially signing with the Padres back on June 20th, 2016. Since going pro, Dallas has worked himself up the minor-league food chain. In 2018 he earned NWL Mid-Season All-Star recognition as a member of the Twin City Dust Devils, another Padres affiliate. Then, last August he was called up to the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Dallas appeared in 7 games as a relief pitcher with Fort Wayne. In 9 innings Dallas gave up 3 earned runs while striking out 11.

“I have no clue what’s going to happen. I show up to the field and do whatever they tell me,” Dallas said.