Dascenzo puts off Majors for college
Laurel Highlands High School graduate Zack Dascenzo appears to be following in his father’s footsteps. The son of Doug and Trish Dascenzo of the Heritage Hills area of Uniontown, Zack was chosen by the San Diego Padres in the 41st round of the Major League Baseball draft in June.
Doug Dascenzo graduated from Brownsville High School and played baseball at Oklahoma State University before being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1985. Between 1988 and 1996, he played for the Cubs, Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres.
Zack Dascenzo was also offered a baseball scholarship with Ohio Dominican University of Columbus. Shortly after the draft, he decided to continue his education by pursuing a degree in sports management at the Ohio school. Paul Page coaches the Panthers’ baseball team.
“I was drafted late and felt it was better to go to college,” Dascenzo said. By Major League rules, he would be eligible for the draft again after his junior year, but he hopes to complete his education before pursuing a professional baseball career. If he is drafted before graduation, he said a decision “would depend on the circumstances and the type of contract offer.”
At Laurel Highlands, Dascenzo helped lead the Mustangs to consecutive Section 2-AAA championships, and was selected to the All-Section and All-County teams in each of the past two seasons. This season, the Mustangs defeated Steel Valley in the WPIAL playoffs before being eliminated in the second round by eventual champion West Allegheny.
Laurel Highlands coach Tom Landman said Dascenzo is highly coachable, and has the talent and skills to eventually succeed on the major league level.
“He was an outstanding catcher for three years and batted third in the lineup. He had a great career and we’ll miss him next year,” Landman said.
He added, “Zack is an outstanding young man. The coaches, players and everyone at Laurel Highlands are extra proud of him. We wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
Ron Popovich, Landman’s assistant coach at LH and the Uniontown American Legion manager, expressed similar praise for Dascenzo, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury. Dascenzo said he is optimistic about returning to the Uniontown Legion lineup in time for the Regional Tournament.
He said that being the son of a former Major Leaguer has provided additional pressure during his career, “but I was always able to handle it well.”