HHS Alum Dan Goldstein Chasing His Dream

Dan Goldstein can be an intimidating presence on a baseball field. Just ask batters who had to face the 6’1, 200 lb. power pitcher when he hurled for Bucknell University. The Huntington High School alum picked up his college degree this past May and is now playing professional ball for the Washington Wild Things in the Frontier League.

Goldstein signed his pro contract on July 24. In his first four starts, he fanned 13 batters in 16.2 innings. The Frontier League is an independent baseball organization consisting of 14 franchises. It debuted in June 1993. The league’s offices are located in Illinois

The Washington Wild Things are based in North Franklin Township in southwestern Pennsylvania, about 30 miles from Pittsburgh. The franchise has a devoted following of fans.

Goldstein was a math major at Bucknell and a dominating pitcher for the Bisons. “My value for teamwork has grown strong here at Bucknell,” he said this past May. “It’s great hanging out day-to-day with a group of guys that are working towards a common goal; a Patriot League championship.”

In the end Bucknell didn’t win the championship, but it did enjoy a nice post-season run and Goldstein was in the middle of it all. “Feelings of nostalgia set in as the final season of my college career approaches its end,” he said last spring. “It’s going to be a tough moment saying goodbye to playing ball for my coaches and with my teammates but the bonds we’ve formed are strong and I’m sure I’ll be visiting Bucknell in the future to share some laughs and smiles.”

While Goldstein was hoping to hear his name called in the Major League Baseball draft in June, it didn’t happen. But, by signing with a Frontier League team, he has kept his dream of playing big league ball alive. More than two dozen Frontier League players have gone on to ink contracts with MLB organizations.

There is no doubt that Goldstein is serious about his craft and his goals. He wants to play big league ball. Period. “It’s what I’ve been working for my whole life,” he said.

Goldstein played on the Huntington High School varsity golf and baseball teams. He earned excellent grades and received recognition as a Distinguished Senior in 2009. He was well-liked by his classmates and teammates, as well as by his teachers and coaches. He is remembered around his alma mater as a well-spoken, respectful, clean-cut young man that brought credit to himself and his family.

At Bucknell, Goldstein was once again an outstanding student-athlete. “The challenge of balancing school work and baseball has helped me develop a strong mental and physical work ethic,” he said. “I feel very fortunate to have a degree in mathematics from Bucknell to fall back on.”

While Bucknell struggled at times in 2013, finishing the year with a 16-33 mark, Goldstein started 12 games and compiled a 4-5 record, completing four games, tossing 70 innings and striking out 59 batters. Opponents batted just .240 against him. He even earned Patriot League All-Academic honors as a sophomore and junior.

Goldstein made 12 appearances as a junior, including seven starts, fanning 27 batters in 34 innings. He hurled in 11 games as junior, with the team winning in five of his last six appearances. He limited right-handed batters to a .209 average. Goldstein pitched in five games as a freshman and held opponents scoreless in three of the appearances.

The Huntington alum was a four-year starter on the Blue Devil baseball squad, serving as a team captain. Goldstein was named an ESPN 2009 “All-Area New York Metro Top 10 Pitcher.”

With a remarkable drive and determination, no one from Huntington would be surprised at all if Goldstein eventually does make his way onto a big league roster.