Photo cover by Sam Thiel Marshall's Dylan Criquet-Danielson was named the 2017 Marshall Independent Baseball Player of the Year.

MARSHALL – There wasn’t a lot that Dylan Criquet-Danielson didn’t accomplish during his baseball career as a Marshall Tiger. The future Oklahoma Sooner received a number of accolades and helped the Tigers reach the state tournament twice during his three years as a starter.

“It was a lot of fun,” Criquet-Danielson said. “It was a very successful run. I didn’t play a whole lot during my freshman year. Then I got my role during my sophomore year. I played every game since my sophomore year. We made trips to state during my sophomore and senior year. Both of those trips ended with third place finishes. It’s been awesome playing for Marshall. I learned a lot during my time as a Tiger.”

This past season Criquet-Danielson helped the Tigers finish with a 20-7 record and a third place finish at the state tournament. At the plate Criquet-Danielson finished the season with a .521 batting average, six doubles, five triples and two home runs. He drove in 24 runs and crossed home plate 32 times. All those numbers led to Criquet-Danielson being named the 2017 Marshall Independent Baseball Player of the Year.

“It’s an honor,” Criquet-Danielson said. “It’s something that shows that hard work pays off. I’ve put in a lot of hard work to become the player I am. I wouldn’t be able to be in this position without the help of my parents, teammates and coaches. It’s an honor and blessing to be player of the year.”

Jake Hess split time playing first base and pitcher for the Tigers this past season. Hess said that Criquet-Danielson’s focus at the plate is what makes him stand out.

“Dylan is a very focused player,” Hess said. “He knows what needs to get done before each game. He’s very focused in the on deck circle and he just dials it up when he’s at the plate. He reads pitches very well.”

Fellow senior, Mason Penske added that Criquet-Danielson’s greatest strength is his consistency.

“He is very consistent with everything he does,” Penske said. “He always has a good at bat and is able to make amazing plays in the field to help us win games.”

The Player of the Year honor was just one of many accolades and accomplishments that Criquet-Danielson achieved during his senior season. He was one of the seven finalists for Minnesota’s Mr. Baseball. Sam Carlson, a pitcher for Burnsville High School was named Mr. Baseball. Carlson was recently drafted by the Seattle Mariners. Criquet-Danielson said being recognized as one of the seven best players in the state was a humbling experience.

“I think the one that stands out the most to me is my nomination for Mr. Baseball,” Criquet-Danielson said. “It’s such a high standard award. Only seven people get nominated for that award in the whole state. There are a lot of great players in the state of Minnesota. To be named one of the seven finalists was pretty sweet. Being there among the other six players was fun.”

Criquet-Danielson was also selected to the Minnesota High School All-Star Baseball Series that took place last week.

“That was awesome,” Criquet-Danielson said. “I knew some of the other players from playing against them in sections and throughout the year. Some of the other players I didn’t know, so I got to meet a lot of new people.”

It was a special three-year run for Criquet-Danielson and the Tigers. During his three years as a starter the Tigers accumulated 60-19 record, with two state tournament trips and two third place finishes at the state tournament.

“I’ll miss sharing the bond with the teammates,” Criquet-Danielson said. “I’ve been playing baseball with ever since I was young,” he said. “I’ll miss being around them.”