Former Ceres High multi-sport standout Dalton Durossette flew three times in a three-day span earlier this month to showcase his talent in baseball and football.
“It was tiring,” said Durossette, who started his junior year at Central Catholic on Aug. 14. “But it was worth every second of it. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Dalton played in the 2018 Area Code Baseball Underclass Games at the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy, Aug. 10-12, in Compton.
The top 150 underclass baseball players from across the country in the class of 2020 and 2021 participated.
Scouts from all 30 MLB teams and NCAA coaches attended the event.
“We had the best record there,” said Durossette, who suited up for the Oakland Athletics’ Regional Team along with Turlock High’s Tyler Soderstrom and Cole Carrigg, Atwater’s Jacob Weiss, and 22 other players.
Durossette made two appearances at pitcher for the A’s, who compiled a 3-1-1 record.
Dalton retired all six batters he faced on Aug. 12, including three by flyout, two by groundout and one by strikeout.
“I didn’t feel any pressure,” said Durossette, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 203 pounds. “I knew what my ability was. I wanted to perform at my best level in front of the scouts. I’m proud of how I did. If I make the upperclass team next year, my chances of getting drafted are pretty high. That would be a dream come true.”
Durossette split reps at quarterback with 2017 starter Kyle Jackson and Dylan Everhard while scrimmaging with Central Catholic’s varsity football team on Aug. 11.
The Raiders battled Turlock, Buhach Colony and Calaveras.
Dalton completed all but three of his pass attempts.
He collected six tackles at safety.
“I’m pretty excited with how I performed,” Durossette said. “I’m prepared to play if I’m named the starter. I’ve learned all the plays. If the coaches need me to play another position, I won’t tell them no. I’ll do what’s best for the team.”
Durossette returned home from the Area Code Games at 1 a.m. on Aug. 13.
Dalton and his parents made the six-hour drive from Compton to Modesto.
“I don’t like flying but I’m getting used to it,” he said. “But it’s still not my thing.”
