Daniel Fields believes baseball in Michigan is just as good as any “sunshine” state

In the Midwest, many baseball players aren’t able to see the field until late-February or early March, and even then it’s on a day-by-day basis because of the weather. Whereas their counterparts in Florida, Texas and California can play all-year-round, for many Midwestern players their first game is often the first time they see grass.

Now add to that playing basketball from November until March. When is there time to get ready for baseball season?

For most this would be a problem, but for University of Detroit Jesuit Prep shortstop Daniel Fields, it’s not. According to Fields, he didn’t get onto the field until a week and a half prior to U of D’s first game.

“I try to work out on my days off and go hit at Velocity Training Academy,” Fields said. “The first couple days are challenging, but I can adjust quickly.”

But then again, hitting is in Daniel Fields’ blood. His father, Bruce, spent three seasons in the majors, led three different minor leagues in hitting and is currently the hitting coordinator for the Cleveland Indians.

“Even when he’s not there he can tell me what I’m doing wrong,” said Fields. “All I have to do is tell him what I did at the plate and he can tell me what adjustments to make.”

The self-described versatile shortstop with speed and power will be following in the footsteps of his idol, Derek Jeter, and has committed to the University of Michigan.

“I chose Michigan because of the coaching staff,” Fields said. “Coach [Rich] Maloney is the main reason…He’s a great guy and coach.”

With Midwest players often lacking the respect “sunshine” state players receive from recruiters and scouts, players have to be able to showcase their talents against the top talent in the country when the opportunity is given. Fields showed off his ability by playing travel baseball and going to tournaments in the South.

“I was able to play in front of college and pro scouts,” Fields said.

But according to Fields, baseball in Michigan is not too far behind from the baseball powerhouse states.

“The best in Michigan could play in Florida and California,” Fields said. “The 2009 class is one of the best in Michigan history.”

Similar to his father, Fields will be drafted out of high school. Baseball America has the 6-2, 195-pound Fields ranked as the No.64 high school player in the country. He is projected to be drafted between the 3rd and 6th rounds of June’s First-Year Player Draft.

However, if Fields does decides to forego the draft and attend Michigan, he plans on majoring in sports management, but until that time comes, he is solely focused on helping U of D Jesuit win.    

“I’ve thought about the draft, but I’m focused on [my senior] season right now,” said Fields.