Toronto, ON - Perhaps one of the most gifted athletes to ever suit up in a Toronto Mets Uniform is Infielder Daniel Carinci. He is currently in his first season with the Alabama Crimson Tide of the power house conference SEC. 

Carinci is learning and adjusting to life as a College baseball player. “You grow up quickly, you learn how real-life works. The toilet paper isn’t just magically restocked, you must go and get some more. You just realize how much stuff goes into owning your own place.” As is the case for many Freshman, Carinci has experienced his own set of challenges in year one. “There is no babying that goes on. You are responsible for your actions. You need to be able to have a distraction from baseball or else you will drown in the thoughts. It is good to have friends in other sports so that you are not always talking about baseball.”

College baseball, or college sports of any kind is often referred to as the best time of a student athletes’ life. Carinci is seeing first-hand how impactful being a student athlete can be. “There is a community between all student athletes. Each student athlete respects each other, and you tend to see them around campus more often. Great way to make friends.”

Choosing the “right” school for any athlete can be a very overwhelming task. Carinci knew that the academic program needed to be in place before the on field fit. “First, I needed to find a school that had my program because if baseball didn’t work out, I need that degree. Then I looked at if I had a chance to play, or was I just going to be thrown in the pile. I don’t mean starting first year but just a chance to get better because you can’t get better if you aren’t playing baseball.” 

There is plenty debate in the baseball community about Junior College (NJCAA) vs a four-year school. In Carinci’s opinion it is important for all athletes to understand what they are looking for post-secondary. “I always thought I was a 4-year school guy just because schooling was huge to me. I was also committed to a junior college, so I think my thought changed. I think it depends on what you’re looking to get out of school. Do you want to just play baseball and see where that takes you or do you want to really focus on a great degree? Either way you are going to (hopefully) end with a degree.”

Having the opportunity to go to Alabama and play baseball at a top SEC school would seem to be a dream for all student athletes. While being extremely grateful for the opportunity that he has in front of him, there were some compromises that Carinci had to make. “I am 16 hours from home and that wasn’t the absolute best-case scenario for me. I think some compromises must be made and that’s why kids should have some priorities that take president over other factors.”

Being away from family is something that all student athletes have to go through. It is important to have a strong support system. Carinci credits his family and coaches as being the most helpful during his high school career and the first months of his collegiate career. “The people who support me did not change even though I am 16 hours away. They still push me to keep working. Now they just communicate with me through my phone and not in person.”

Marco Carinci, Daniel’s dad, describes his son as a very eager athlete. “Daniel was always ready to go, waiting at the door with whatever uniform on he was wearing that day.” It wasn’t just on the field where Daniel excelled. “Daniel has always excelled at school, taking home awards at an early age for his academic achievements. He always wanted to join every team and club he could, he even joined the recycling club to help his teachers.” 

Carinci was just as helpful on the home front as well for his dad Marco and his mom Denise. “Denise and I would always joke around that we would have to make things up to give him trouble,” says Marco. He goes on to say, “he would always help with things around the house and ALWAYS helped with his siblings.”

Marco, like most dads, would like to see his son succeed. “I am confident he will excel at baseball and continue to grow as a player, learning from the older players and coaches. I hope to see him have a chance at becoming a pro baseball player as he loves the game so much.” 

Loving the game is something that must be in Carinci family. Younger brother, Justin Carinci, is looking to create his own path towards a successful post-secondary career. A Junior in high school, Justin was recently named a Perfect Game All-Star in Fort Myers, FL during a fall qualifying event with the Toronto Mets 17u team. 

Daniel does have advice for not only his brother, but to the next group of Toronto Mets looking to play baseball at the Collegiate level. “Work. Don’t just think that your talent is going to get you a starting spot. When you show up everyone was an all-star at their high school. Everyone was recruited. You need to put in the work to put yourself above.” 

“As an organization we are very proud of Daniel. Just to be able to be recruited by a SEC school is a tremendous accomplishment.” Says Toronto Mets Director of baseball Rich Leitch.  “We are looking forward to see what he can accomplish during his Collegiate career and beyond,” adds Leitch. 

Daniel and the Crimson Tide will open their season February 15, 2019 at home against Presbyterian. SEC action will begin March 15, 2019 as they head to Oxford Mississippi to take on Ole Miss.

Roll Tide.

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