DURHAM, N.C. – Two Duke University baseball players have received significant recognition as the collegiate season approaches, earning spots on the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) preseason All-America teams. The announcements, made on , highlight the anticipated contributions of outfielder Michael DiMartini and catcher Cider Canon to the Duke Blue Devils’ upcoming campaign.
DiMartini, a transfer student from the University of Dayton, has been named to the NCBWA’s First Team All-America roster. His selection follows a highly successful sophomore season with the Flyers in , where he batted .403 across 55 games. The statistics reveal a powerful offensive presence, with 11 doubles, seven triples, and 14 home runs, resulting in 65 runs batted in. He also demonstrated discipline at the plate, drawing 27 walks and achieving an impressive on-base percentage of .465, contributing to an overall OPS of 1.150. DiMartini’s defensive capabilities are also noteworthy, having recorded four outfield assists last season.
Prior to his time at Dayton, DiMartini began his collegiate baseball career at Penn State, appearing in 13 games as a freshman. His journey through multiple programs underscores the competitive landscape of collegiate athletics and the pursuit of optimal playing opportunities.
Canon, a transfer from Davidson College, has been recognized as a Fourth Team All-America selection. He is expected to anchor the Duke lineup as their starting catcher, though he previously played in the outfield for the Wildcats. In , Canon showcased his offensive prowess in 48 games, hitting .371 with 16 doubles, three triples, and 17 home runs, driving in 52 runs. His offensive statistics mirror DiMartini’s, boasting a .460 on-base percentage and a .733 slugging percentage, culminating in a 1.193 OPS.
The NCBWA’s recognition of both DiMartini and Canon is not isolated. Both players were previously honored with First Team All-Conference selections in the Atlantic 10 following their performances last season, signaling their consistent high level of play. This shared accolade further emphasizes the potential impact these transfers are expected to have on the Duke baseball program.
The NCBWA, founded in , serves as a dedicated organization committed to the advancement of college baseball. Its membership comprises writers, broadcasters, and publicists, all contributing to the evaluation and recognition of collegiate talent. The association is responsible for prestigious awards such as the Dick Howser Trophy, presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate player, and the selection of All-America teams, providing a nationally recognized benchmark for player achievement.
The timing of these preseason All-America announcements, occurring in early , is strategic. It generates early-season excitement and provides a preview of potential standouts as teams prepare for the upcoming spring season. The NCBWA’s selections often influence national rankings and player watch lists, adding to the significance of these honors.
Duke University’s acquisition of both DiMartini and Canon represents a deliberate effort to bolster its baseball program through strategic transfers. The addition of two highly-regarded players with proven offensive capabilities is expected to significantly enhance the team’s competitiveness within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and on a national stage. The ACC is consistently ranked among the most challenging conferences in collegiate baseball, making the impact of these additions even more crucial.
The success of transfer athletes is becoming increasingly common in collegiate sports, driven by factors such as the NCAA’s transfer portal and the desire of players to find programs that align with their athletic and academic goals. DiMartini’s and Canon’s decisions to transfer to Duke suggest a belief in the program’s potential for growth and success. Their prior achievements indicate they are capable of making immediate contributions, potentially elevating Duke’s standing within the highly competitive landscape of Division I baseball.
Duke baseball fans can follow the team’s progress and receive updates through various social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, using the handle “DukeBASE”. The team’s performance throughout the season will be closely watched, particularly the contributions of DiMartini and Canon, as they aim to live up to the expectations set by their preseason All-America recognition.
