Make it Count

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Luke Darnell had something to prove in his final season on the diamond.

After finishing his junior season without a hit, the first baseman and pitcher, who transferred to Bradenton Christian from Cardinal Mooney for his senior year, knew something had to change.

Darnell had plenty of chances last season, but every time he stepped up to the plate he found himself trying too hard.

So, heading into his senior season, Darnell realized he had to prove to himself what he was capable of before he could prove it to his teammates, coaches and the community.

Darnell put in extra hours training on the field, hitting in the batting cages and working out in the gym in hopes of elevating his game back to where it should be.

In doing so, Darnell put together his best season on the field. He helped lead the Panthers to a 16-9 record and the Bay Conference Championship. He also was named a first-team All-Bay Conference All-Star.

“Looking back on it now, I’m proud that I can say those 13 years of hard work paid off in the end,” Darnell says.

Now, the 2014 graduate will showcase his talents one final time after having been selected to represent the West in the annual PostYourT Florida High School East/West All-Star Game June 14, at Northeast High in St. Petersburg.

The game features the top players from across the state in Class 1A through 5A. Darnell, who learned he made the team in mid-May, was the Class 3A player in the area who will participate in the game.

“I was very excited to be recognized for having an amazing senior year,” Darnell says. “It’s recognition for all of the hard work that I put in.

“Just the fact that I made it,” Darnell says, “it’s going to be a fun experience being surrounded by very talented players in an atmosphere that’s supportive of the kids. It’s definitely something to take in, and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.”

Darnell doesn’t know anyone on his team, but he’s hoping his skillset will prove valuable in the end.

“It’s more basic baseball,” Darnell says. “You’re showcasing your skills rather than relying on your teammates. It’s about the best nine players on the field (trying) to win and not necessarily the best nine players who are a team.”

Darnell began playing baseball at Braden River Little League when he was 5 years old. He moved over to Manatee Cal Ripken Baseball when he was 10 years old and spent the remainder of his youth baseball career there before moving on to high school.

As a senior, Darnell hit a walk-off home run, his second of the season, to lead Bradenton Christian to a 14-2 district victory over ODA.

“It was pure excitement,” Darnell says. “It was amazing to be able to experience that. I was running, basically sprinting, around the bases, and then when I got to third base, I slowed way down to enjoy it.”

Following the All-Star game, Darnell will return home to Lakewood Ranch to close out his final season with the Bradenton RBI Pirates 18U travel team. Darnell will compete in the regional competition at the end of June; the winner will advance to the national championships in Texas.

This fall, Darnell will head up to Florida State University, where he plans to major in business accounting while playing club baseball for the Seminoles. Darnell had a handful of Division III offers, but opted to attend Florida State and focus on academics.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to play baseball,” Darnell says. “It may not be in as strict a form, but I’m excited to still be able to play the game that I love. I just love playing and being a part of it. I just have a genuine love for the game of baseball.”