Diego Da Rin, starting third baseman of the Panthers has been a tremendous piece of the winning puzzle this season. Playing the hot corner can be a challenge for most defenders, but Da Rin has showed off his skills this season. He entered the week among the top five players on the team in hits, RBI, doubles and home runs. Among players with at least 100 at-bats, he also leads the team in batting average and is fourth with a tremendous OBP of .480.
One of the better moments of the season was when Da Rin had a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh as they completed the come from behind victory over Moraine Valley on April 12th, despite trailing by three runs entering the bottom of the seventh.
Go MCPanthers Question: How are you able to balance studies, social/family life to go along with practice or games?
Da Rin Answer: It's hard without my family and I have a roommate that helps but it is all about my love for baseball. My future matters and this is a great opportunity to find more success in life. I work at school when I am not playing or studying, going to class.
Go MCPanthers: Who is your favorite all-time, current athlete?
Da Rin: Jose Altuve, not very tall and like that he is a very hard-worker.
Go MCPanthers: Favorite food?
Da Rin: Wings, garlic, lemon pepper with blue cheese.
Go MCPanthers: Favorite pre-game or postgame meal, any good luck charms/habits, rituals?
Da Rin: I pray before every game to ask. Talk to God to look over my teammates, and for a good game. I like to see my team happy. I enjoy seeing my team win every game regardless of my production.
Go MCPanthers: Favorite TV show or movie?
Da Rin: Money Heist.
Go MCPanthers: Favorite baseball movie?
Da Rin: Benchwarmers!
Go MCPanthers: Favorite sport or team college or pro?
Da Rin: Boston Red Sox! Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz I grew up watching.
Go MCPanthers: Favorite part about your head coach Chris Wido?
Da Rin: He is very honest with us, always honest and encouraging doesn't put pressure on us. Helps the team with the mental aspect of the game.
Go MCPanthers: Favorite quote or favorite family member you are closest to perhaps who inspires you?
Da Rin: My family is an important thing to me. I get motivation to get my associate's degree and to continue working hard learning the English language. I am interested in working in sports management.
Go MCPanthers: What interests you most about Morton College and your schoolwork?
Da Rin: Associates degree and am looking to get into sports management (business).
Go MCPanthers: Why did you choose Morton College? What do you love most about it?
Da Rin: I enjoy all of my teammates on the baseball team and have fun with them. I have met new friends on campus, they are always friendly.
Go MCPanthers: Funniest teammate and example or why are they so funny?
Da Rin: Tommy Schroeder, for sure. He is funny, having played next to him at shortstop and with myself playing third.
Go MCPanthers: Personal adjustments you have made at the plate?
Da Rin: Sometimes I am too excited, I want to hit and crush the ball but sometimes the mental aspect takes extra practice. Waiting for my pitch and always being patient. Defending the hot corner can be a challenge as well.
Go MCPanthers: One thing we should know about why you are successful?
Da Rin: Hard-work, I have been trying to be the best I can be since I was 4 years old. I worked very hard for it and have a good ability to learn and grow as a player. Mentality, to always have fun.
Go MCPanthers: What are you most looking forward to for the remainder of the season?
Da Rin: Keep up a productive average over 400, keep winning, which is most important, like we have been doing. All-Region Team or All-American would be my top personal goals and compete for a championship. Getting a scholarship at a four-year school as well.
Go MCPanthers: Favorite part about baseball?
Da Rin: Hitting is my favorite part, but those doubles and triples (home runs) are really my favorite.
Go MCPanthers: Other sports that you enjoy playing back in the day or fun with friends, family?
Da Rin: Soccer and basketball I played growing up and in the offseason sometimes.
Go MCPanthers: Favorite time of the year?
Da Rin: Summer weather is the best. Enjoy riding my bike the most, going to the parks.
Go MCPanthers: Birthday?
Da Rin: March 14th.
Go MCPanthers: Twitter Account?
Da Rin: Diego_Rin
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