LITTLE FALLS, NY-- The Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs are proud to announce that three former players were selected in the 2016 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, held June 9-11 in Secaucus, New Jersey.
Sam Machonis, a 2015 Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawg, was selected in the tenth round (295th overall) by the Detroit Tigers.
One of Mohawk Valley's team leaders during their 2015 championship run, the Florida Southern junior hit an impressive .338 during the regular season, putting him among the league leaders in batting average. His performance at the plate and in the field also earned him a spot in the 2015 Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) All-Star Game, in which he helped the Eastern Division to an 18-2 victory at Veteran's Memorial Park in Little Falls.
During the playoffs with Mohawk Valley, Machonis led the Diamond Dawgs to a PGCBL championship , hitting .273 with three RBIs and a double. Machonis was one of the motivational catalysts for the Diamond Dawgs during their championship run, helping them rally from a 1-0 hole in the Eastern Division Championship Series to victories in their last four games en route to the league title.
During his recent junior season with the Florida Southern Mocs, Machonis led his team in several categories, including batting average, home runs and stolen bases. His performance during the 2016 season earned him All-American Honors by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association and selection to the All-Sunshine State Conference First Team.
"Since we starting scouting Sam we knew he was something special. He has such an amazing work ethic and his bat along with his defensive skills was something we knew would lead to bigger things,we are thrilled we were able to get him in a Diamondd Dawg jersey and look forward to seeing him in a MLB jersey in the future," said Diamondd Dawgs owner Travis Heiser.
Sam Dexter, a 2013 member of the Diamond Dawgs, was selected in the 23rd round by the Chicago White Sox.
The Southern Maine senior was impressive in his 2015-2016 collegiate season, racking up a .404 batting average for the Huskies, finishing his career with a .387 average. A consistent hitter for the Huskies, Dexter hit no lower than .335 for Southern Maine, earning him Division III All-American honors twice during his career.
The 2013 Diamond Dawg became only the second player in Division III history to compile 300 hits during his career. He finished his career with 312, behind the 327 of Matt Gelotti of Southwestern (Texas).
Dexter is the first Southern Maine Husky to be drafted since 2009, when the Cincinnati Reds selected Chris Burleson. He is also the 12th Husky to be selected in the MLB Draft since 1987.
Heiser said of Sam Dexter, "he was destined to be a Dawg after we saw him play! He is a great kid with an even better attitude. We have seen him work so hard just in his time here in Little Falls and we are so happy for him to get this opportunity with the Texas Rangers!"
Marc Iseneker, another member of the 2015 Diamond Dawgs, was selected in the 28thround (849th overall) by the Texas Rangers.
Another leader for the 2015 championship team in Mohawk Valley, the St. John Fisher Cardinal pitched in nine games for the Diamond Dawgs, and complied a respectable 3.75 ERA during his time with the team. Iseneker also tossed 47 strikeouts against only 27 walks during those nine games and put up a WHIP of 1.310 while holding opposing hitters to a .217 average.
"Mark is the type of pitcher you want on your staff - we were very lucky to land him here and get him in a Dawgs uniform. It does not surprise us to see him with an opportunity at the next level because he has the type of arm that can transform a rotation. We are so very proud of Mark and can't wait to see what he does at the next level."
During his time at St. John Fisher, Iseneker, a native of Sherrill, NY, posted a 2.35 ERA in 33 appearances for the Cardinals. During his freshman season, he was named Empire 8 Rookie of the Year, going 7-1 for St. John Fisher, third best in the Empire 8 Conference in 2014. He would go on to earn all-conference second team honors in both 2014 and 2015.
Mohawk Valley Diamondd Dawgs Owner Travis Heiser said of the draft news, "Hearing these young men's names get called on draft day by major league teams makes everyone at the Diamond dDawgs organization so proud as we have seen these guys work so hard to get to get where they are today. Getting their named called on draft day is the ultimate accomplishment and something that these young men have dreamed about as kids swinging the bats in their backyards. Not only am I happy for these players but for all the fans and young Diamondd Dawg fans who look up to these players - it goes to show that hard work can pay off and to dream big."
"The Mohawk Valley is the place to see the MLB stars of tomorrow", said Heiser.
The Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs are proud and exited for these young men as they strive to reach the pinnacle of their sport and the entire organization extend their congratulations to all three Mohawk Valley alumni who were drafted by Major League Baseball teams and wish them the very best and good luck in their future endeavors.
