Former Bomber Danny Poma Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks

Published on June 13, 2012 under Prospect League (Prospect)
Dubois County Bombers News Release


Former Bomber Danny Poma drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks Hofstra University senior outfielder and 2011 Dubois County Bomber MVP Danny Poma sounded more relieved than exhilarated when he learned the Arizona Diamondbacks had selected him in the 10th round of Major League Baseball's first-year player draft a little over a week ago. Finally, all the effort it took just to become a Division I player in college had paid off. Big time. "I was pumped," he said from his home in Monterey, Calif. "It was finally over with."

Arizona is high on Poma. "He's essentially the entire package," Diamondbacks area scout Todd Donovan said. "We drafted him because we believe he can play in the major leagues." Playing professional baseball is the reward for the perseverance it took for Poma to play D-I. No one recruited him two seasons ago after a broken hand ended his sophomore year in a junior college near his home. "That definitely was a low point," he said. "I'm just glad that I kept pushing through it and kept positive."

Poma e-mailed his way to D-I, sending out dozens of inquiries. Hofstra coach John Russo, who knew Poma's junior college coach, responded over the summer. "If I never sent e-mails out, I would never have played Division I baseball -- or had the chance [at] pro baseball," Poma said. Poma and Russo spoke immediately after his selection. "I told Danny," Russo said, "no matter what, the rest of your life, every resume, everything you get to do, you can say you were a 10th-round draft pick." Someday that might change to "major league ballplayer."

Poma hit .430 and set school records with 102 hits and 32 doubles this season. He had 49 stolen bases in two seasons with the Pride. A first-team All-American, the 6-1, 210-pound Poma transformed Hofstra and propelled the Pride to a school- record 34 victories.

And all the while, the Diamondbacks were watching.

"Some guys just give you the sense internally that the game just comes easily to them," Donovan said. "He has a dire want to just get a chance to prove himself. Danny Poma has a chance to create his own legacy. We are giving him an opportunity to do that. If we didn't think he could play there, we wouldn't have drafted him as high as we did. We wouldn't have put a uniform on his back."

Poma attended a pre-draft workout in Scottsdale, Ariz. "He did nothing but impress in front of our ownership, general manager and scouting director,'' Donovan said, "and that's why he got taken." Poma, who is in Scottsdale awaiting assignment, intends to make the most of his opportunity. "I always know there's more to do and I'm never going to be satisfied,'' he said. "I always know there's room to improve and be better. This is just the beginning. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me . . . I have to beat a lot more guys out and prove myself every single day. I only have one focus, baseball. Every single day will be baseball, baseball, baseball. I'm really excited to see what happens."

In 50 games for the 2011 Bombers Poma hit .326 with 7 doubles, 4 triples, 2 homers and 38 stolen bases and was named to the Western Division All Star team.

Russo just completed his first year as Hofstra's Head Coach after several seasons as the top assistant. He guided the Pride to its finest season and a berth in the NCAA Division I Tournament. Hofstra maintains a solid connection with the Bombers that was formed several years ago when Bomber partner and Vincennes University Head Coach Chris Barney coached with Russo in the New England Collegiate League. This year's Hofstra players on the Bombers include infielder Dalton Rouleau, outfielder Austin Nyman and pitcher David Jesch. All are contributing nicely to the Bombers this summer as the team currently holds the best record in the Prospect League at 12 wins and only 2 losses.

Which Bomber players will be drafted next year? Come on out to League Stadium this summer and make your pick. The Bombers next home game is this Sunday, Father's Day when all Dads can get a Red Reserved seat for $4, an Orange Reserved seat for $3 or a General Admission ticket for just $1. Gates open at 5:00 pm and first pitch is 6:15 pm.

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Prospect League Stories from June 13, 2012


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