30 Facts About Dane Dunning

Early Life and Background

Dane Dunning's journey to Major League Baseball (MLB) is filled with interesting details. Let's explore his early life and background.

1. Born in Florida: Dane Dunning was born on December 20, 1994, in Orange Park, Florida. This sunny state is known for producing many talented athletes.

2. Family of Athletes: His brother, Jake Dunning, also played in the MLB. Athletic talent runs in the family.

3. High School Star: Dunning attended Clay High School in Green Cove Springs, Florida. He excelled in both baseball and football.

4. College Baseball: He played college baseball at the University of Florida. The Gators are known for their strong baseball program.

5. Drafted Twice: Dunning was first drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 34th round of the 2013 MLB Draft but chose to attend college instead. He was later drafted by the Washington Nationals in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft.

Professional Career

Dunning's professional career has seen its share of ups and downs. Here are some key moments.

6. Trade to White Sox: In December 2016, Dunning was traded to the Chicago White Sox as part of a deal for Adam Eaton.

7. Tommy John Surgery: In March 2019, he underwent Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire season.

8. MLB Debut: Dunning made his MLB debut on August 19, 2020, against the Detroit Tigers. He pitched 4.1 innings and struck out seven batters.

9. First MLB Win: He earned his first MLB win on September 9, 2020, against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

10. Traded to Rangers: In December 2020, Dunning was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Lance Lynn.

Playing Style and Achievements

Dunning's playing style and achievements make him a standout pitcher. Let's take a closer look.

11. Pitching Arsenal: Dunning's pitching arsenal includes a fastball, slider, changeup, and curveball. His ability to mix pitches keeps hitters off balance.

12. Ground Ball Specialist: Known for inducing ground balls, Dunning's sinker is particularly effective in getting batters to hit into double plays.

13. Rookie Season: In his rookie season, Dunning posted a 3.97 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched.

14. 2021 Season: During the 2021 season, he made 27 starts for the Rangers, finishing with a 4.51 ERA and 114 strikeouts.

15. Gold Glove Nominee: Dunning was nominated for a Gold Glove Award in 2021, recognizing his defensive skills as a pitcher.

Personal Life

Beyond the baseball diamond, Dunning has an interesting personal life. Here are some facts about his life off the field.

16. Engaged: Dunning got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Rachel, in 2021. The couple often shares their adventures on social media.

17. Dog Lover: He is a proud dog owner. His dog, a golden retriever named Cooper, frequently appears in his social media posts.

18. Charity Work: Dunning is involved in various charitable activities, including supporting youth baseball programs.

19. Video Games: In his free time, he enjoys playing video games. His favorite game is "Call of Duty."

20. Fishing Enthusiast: Dunning loves fishing and often spends his off days on the water.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Dane Dunning that you might find interesting.

21. Nickname: His teammates call him "Double D" due to his initials.

22. Favorite Food: Dunning's favorite food is sushi. He often visits sushi restaurants during road trips.

23. Music Taste: He enjoys country music, with Luke Combs being one of his favorite artists.

24. Favorite Movie: His favorite movie is "The Sandlot," a classic baseball film.

25. Superstitions: Dunning has a pre-game ritual of eating the same meal before every start: chicken and rice.

Career Highlights

Dunning's career highlights showcase his talent and potential. Let's look at some of his standout moments.

26. First Complete Game: On June 15, 2021, Dunning pitched his first complete game, a shutout against the Oakland Athletics.

27. Strikeout Record: He set a personal record with 10 strikeouts in a game against the Seattle Mariners on August 12, 2021.

28. Pitcher of the Month: Dunning was named the American League Rookie of the Month in September 2020.

29. All-Star Futures Game: He was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game in 2018, showcasing top minor league talent.

30. Comeback Player: After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Dunning's successful return to the mound earned him recognition as a comeback player.

Dane Dunning: A Rising Star

Dane Dunning's journey in baseball is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days in Florida to making waves in Major League Baseball, he's shown resilience and talent. His impressive stats, including a solid ERA and strikeout rate, highlight his skill on the mound. Dunning's ability to bounce back from injuries and continue to perform at a high level speaks volumes about his dedication and work ethic.

Off the field, Dunning's commitment to community service and his approachable personality make him a fan favorite. His story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and passion for the game. As he continues to grow and develop, there's no doubt that Dane Dunning will remain a key player to watch in the coming seasons. Keep an eye on this rising star; his best is yet to come.