Honesdale's Danny Becker pitching for Marywood University

SCRANTON — Danny Becker was just 5 years old when he first fell in love with the national pastime.

By the time he turned 12, he’d already helped lead the HNB Phillies to a Honesdale Little Baseball Association championship in Senior Division action — a harbinger of great things to come.

“Danny was definitely one of my aces,” longtime HLBA skipper Charlie Rollison said. “He not only pitched well, but he’d pick the team up whenever needed. Danny was a good all-around player, but more importantly he had a great attitude.”

Now, following a solid varsity career at Honesdale High School and extensive travel ball experience, Becker is winding down his senior season as a member of the Marywood University squad.

The crafty right-hander will graduate in May after pitching his heart out over the course of four seasons with the Pacers.

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“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Marywood,” Becker said. “This school has given me the opportunity to get a good quality education while playing the game I love.”

Weather permitting, Marywood will be back on the field Friday afternoon. The Pacers will host Centenary at 3 p.m.

Around the horn

Danny is the son of Craig and Julie Becker of Honesdale. During his high school years, he was heavily involved in athletics and other extracurricular activities.

Becker played on the golf team, was a member of the Student Council, Future Farmers of America and Interact club. He was also a fixture on the Honor Roll and received Principal’s Recognition honors.

And, while Becker enjoyed all of these pursuits, baseball was always his passion.

“I can remember Danny all the way back to Little League,” Honesdale varsity coach Mike Modrovsky said. “He always seemed to have that genuine love of the sport. Danny is a gamer. He works hard and loves to compete.”

Becker spent the first three years of his varsity career building toward a breakout senior season. Unfortunately, all spring sports were cancelled in 2020 by the pandemic.

“It’s really a shame that the lockdown cost Danny that opportunity,” Modrovsky said. “We were expecting big things from him, especially on the mound.”

Despite this heartbreaking turn of events, Becker persevered and found a way to make the best of the situation. Late that spring, he committed Marywood where he could pursue his degree and take his game to the next level.

“Honestly, this place felt like home from the first time I visited,” Becker said. “And the team culture is really good. I love my teammates. We all hang out together and the chemistry is great.”

Becker made the team as a freshman and immediately began making contributions. He pitched 14 innings, posted an ERA of 5.75 and notched 11 strikeouts.

As a sophomore, Becker recorded an ERA of 5.65 across 11 innings while striking out seven. He then upped his workload to 20 innings as a junior with a 5.85 ERA and 16 strikeouts.

So far this year, Becker has appeared as a reliever in six games. His ERA stands at a career best 3.18 with a WHIP of 1.76. He’s walked four and fanned six.

The highlight of his season to date is striking out the side to help Marywood defeat Thiel College 6-5. He also whiffed a pair in a 7-0 Senior Day shutout of St. Elizabeth.

“I may not throw the hardest, but I have learned to master the curve ball, slider and two-seam fastball,” said Becker, who also features a four-seamer and changeup. “I think I’m doing very well this year and even exceeding my expectations.”

To this point in his collegiate career, Becker sports a 1-1 record with one save. He’s pitched a total of 51 innings and racked up 40 strikeouts.

Renaissance man

Baseball has and will always play a major role in Becker’s life. However, he’s far from a one-dimensional person.

Academics are extremely important to the young man who’s putting the finishing touches on a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education.

In fact, Becker has been a fixture on the Atlantic East Academic Honor Roll while also being named to the 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

“Being a student at Marywood has let me explore many different paths,” he said. “It’s helped me develop leadership skills that I’ll be able to use professionally. One day I hope to return to Honesdale where I want to teach Special Ed and coach.”

Becker is also passionate about giving back to his community. He’s been a volunteer firefighter for the past seven years, already attaining the rank of Lieutenant with Texas No. 4 in Honesdale.

The versatile 21-year-old volunteers his time with the White Mills Ambulance crew as well. One of his favorite events of the entire year is visiting Dyberry Day Camp with his fellow volunteers. There, they share their knowledge and experience with campers who struggle with disabilities.

“I’ll keep doing it until I can’t physically do it anymore,” said Becker, who is a fourth generation firefighter. “I love having the opportunity to make a real difference. It’s all about bravery, teamwork and dedication. Your commitment to service can save lives and inspire others to do the same.”

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale graduate Danny Becker pitches for Marywood baseball team