Miners Sign 1B/DH Dan Kassouf and LHP Dayne Quist
Published on January 11, 2013 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
Marion, IL - The Southern Illinois Miners and manager Mike Pinto have signed 1B/DH Daniel Kassouf and left handed starter Dayne Quist.
"Dan has a power bat that could translate to a middle of the order bat with us", said Pinto. "He has hit successfully where ever he has played and has helped his college teams win. We are looking forward to seeing him fit with us in May."
Kassouf showed himself to be one of the most prolific power hitters in college baseball in 2012 while helping lead Appalachian State to a SoCon Championship and appearance in the NCAA Regional Championship Game. Daniel hit .339 with 16 doubles and set a school record with 17 home runs, finishing 7th in the nation at the Division I level. Kassouf ranked in the top 25 in RBI (66) and slugging percentage (.635) finishing with a 1040 OPS. He also made a serious run at the SoCon Triple Crown, leading the league in all categories as late as April 21.
Kassouf was a first-team All-American, and the first Southern Conference player to ever be named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association District IV Player of the Year, honoring the best player in the states of Georgia, Maryland, North and South Carolina and Virginia in 2012. He was also one of 35 semi finalists for the NCBWA's Dick Howser Trophy (National Player of the Year), one of 30 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award (USA Baseball's top amateur player) and a first-team all-conference honoree by the SoCon coaches and media.
Before joining Appalachian State, Kassouf helped Belmont Abbey to the 2009 Division II World Series. Kassouf was named the Southeast Regional Most Outstanding Player after hitting .563 (9 for 16) with three doubles, three home runs, ten RBI and seven runs scores in the Crusaders four-game sweep.
Quist joins the Miners from the Tampa Bay Rays organization where in 2012 he pitched in 11 games in the Gulf Coast League following his selection in the 28th round of the major league baseball first year player draft. In 17 2/3 innings with a 2.55 era, he struck out 17, while walking only one batter and allowing 14 hits.
"Dayne has shown himself to be a command pitcher both in college and in pro baseball with a durable arm", said Pinto. "My reports from the Rays are that he knows how to pitch. We are looking forward to seeing how he can fit into our rotation this season."
Quist played his college baseball at Division I University of California at Davis. In 2012 he was 6-3 starting 12 games for the Aggies with a 3.15 era, leading the school in wins while posting two shutouts and three complete games. He struck out an Aggie best 85 batters, walking only 13 with opponents to bat only .219 against him. Quist was named to the College Baseball Hall of Fame National Pitcher of the Year Watch List because of his 2012 college performance.
Quist finished among the nation's best in several NCAA Division I categories; fifth in strikeout to walk ratio (6.54), 17th in WHIP (.960), 41st in walks per nine innings (1.37), 89th in strikeouts per nine innings (8.93) and 93rd in strikeouts.
The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2012 Frontier League Champions and have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year three times since its inception. It has also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007. For media inquiries concerning the Miners, please contact Mike Ventola, Director of Media Relations 618-998-8499 ext. 8547 or mikev@southernillinoisminers.com. For ticket information please contact the Rent One Park Box Office at 618-998-8499. For any additional information, visit our website at www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Frontier League Stories from January 11, 2013
- Miners Sign 1B/DH Dan Kassouf and LHP Dayne Quist - Southern Illinois Miners
- Frontier League Tryout Camp Information Released - FL
- Grizzlies Re-Sign McClendon and Myers - Gateway Grizzlies
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