Dylan Banner had a strong case to be made as not only the best pitcher but also the best hitter in Nassau County in 2022. He’ll have to settle (kidding) for the Doug Robins Diamond Award given to the top pitcher in the county.
It was a remarkable season for the Albany-commit as he led the Hawks to one of the best seasons in program history. On the bump, he notched an unblemished record of 7-0 with a 0.73 ERA and 101 strikeouts over 47.2 IP. He fired 2 no-hitters and was downright untouchable in just about every outing. He gave up four infield hits during league play and the lone long ball he gave up was to Jack Coogan in a non-league game in his first outing of the season.
Four years ago, we featured him as part of the “Up Next” series, when he was coming off a huge season for the Body Armor Titans and Plainview’s JV team. He certainly lived up to the hype.
I had a chance to speak to him and here’s what he had to say…
Can you talk about your experience with the college recruiting process and how you made your decision?
The recruiting process for me was very difficult. I didn’t feel like I was getting the recognition I deserved because coaches couldn’t come see me play. I am a player who doesn’t look so great on video. But at a Blue Chip Prospect camp, I performed in front of many Division-I coaches. Albany had called me the next day and I went on a visit and fell in love with it. The coaches are awesome and the campus is beautiful. I knew it was the right choice for me. I committed the day after the visit.
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your baseball career?
There have been a lot of people and coaches that have helped me out during my career. Brian Anderson and Bobby DeMichael are two of the most important. But my parents – especially my dad – who always takes time out of his day to go hit with me and throw whenever I feel like I need to work on something.
What did you focus on this past off-season?
I played basketball in the winter. I believe that helped me get faster and quicker also while giving my arm a break. I also have been trying to get in the weight room as much as possible.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Pete Alonso – the energy he plays with is unmatched.
Pete Alonso is having himself another one of those nights. A pull homer, an opposite-field homer and five RBI. He’s up to 53 on the season.
Those are three pretty massive tack-on runs.
Mets 9, Dodgers 4, top seven. pic.twitter.com/fzTYY5wBnr
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 5, 2022
What has been your best experience on a baseball field?
I’ve had a lot of crazy experiences. My top was in the top of the 8th in a do-or-die game against Syosset last year. After getting walk in my first 4 at bats, I hit a go-ahead home run and I think the bat went further than the ball. I have never seen a crowd get so loud and excited. It is a moment I will never forget.
Dylan Banner just crushed a go-ahead, 2-R HR in the eighth to give Plainview JFK a 6-4 lead over Syosset pic.twitter.com/xNZOHPnXmm
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 13, 2021
Who are some players that deserve recognition for the season that Plainview JFK had?
We had a bunch of guys this year that contributed a lot. What stood out to me the most was our pitching staff. Almost every game our starter threw a complete game. Jake Goldfarb threw two no-hitters. Also Josh Indek, our SS, was an unbelievable teammate and even better baseball player. Our whole team bought in this year. That’s what made us so successful. In 2023, I believe that won’t miss a beat. They have a bunch of guys that are Division-I players. Michael D’Ambrosio, Andrew Lenski and Georgia Tech-commit Sebastian Lippman who throws harder every time I see him. I wish the best to the program and Coach Givy. I wouldn’t be here without his dedication to the program. Also our pitching coach Max Schonfeld (Molloy’s ERA leader) knows what he’s talking about and helped me and motivated me to become the best I can.
Favorite vacation spot?
Myrtle Beach
Favorite Meal?
Pizza
Favorite app on your phone?
TikTok
Favorite musical artist?
Morgan Wallen
Dream car?
All black Ford Raptor
