1. Overview
Daniel David Black (born July 2, 1987) is an American former professional baseball first baseman. Known for his powerful hitting, Black played college baseball at Purdue University before embarking on a professional career that spanned various organizations, including the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins in MLB's minor league system, the KT Wiz in the KBO League, and the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican League. He also represented the United States national baseball team in the 2015 WBSC Premier12 tournament, where the team earned a silver medal.
2. Early Life and College Career
Daniel David Black was born on July 2, 1987. His early baseball development led him to a successful collegiate career before he entered the professional ranks.
2.1. Purdue University
Black played college baseball for Purdue University from 2007 to 2009. During his time with the Purdue Boilermakers, he demonstrated significant power, hitting a total of 36 home runs. In 2008, he further honed his skills by playing collegiate summer baseball for the Cotuit Kettleers in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League.
2.2. Major League Baseball Drafts
Black's performance in college attracted attention from Major League Baseball teams. He was first selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 35th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft. However, he chose not to sign with the Giants and instead returned to Purdue University to continue his collegiate career. The following year, he was again drafted, this time by the Chicago White Sox in the 14th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft. Following this second selection, Black signed his first professional contract.
3. Professional Career
Daniel Black's professional baseball career began in 2009 and saw him play across different leagues and countries, including a notable stint in the KBO League.
3.1. Chicago White Sox Organization
After being drafted in 2009, Black joined the Chicago White Sox minor league organization. He spent several years developing within their system, playing from 2009 until his release on May 28, 2015.
3.2. KT Wiz (KBO League)
Upon his release from the Chicago White Sox, Daniel Black signed with the KT Wiz of the KBO League in South Korea. His tenure with the KT Wiz was impactful, marked by significant offensive contributions and a unique connection with the team's performance.
3.2.1. Debut and Key Performances
Black made his KBO debut on June 4, 2015, in Suwon, replacing Andrew Sisco. He was a switch-hitter, capable of batting from both sides of the plate. A notable highlight of his KBO career occurred on June 10, 2015, when he hit a massive home run against Lee Sung-min of the Lotte Giants at Sajik Baseball Stadium. This particular home run traveled an estimated 459 ft (140 m) and cleared the right-field wall, marking it as the sixth-ever out-of-stadium home run at Sajik Stadium. It was also the second such home run by an away team player, the first by a foreign hitter, and the first by a switch-hitter. Throughout June and July, Black maintained an impressive batting average, hovering around .350, and became a driving force in the KT Wiz's offense.
3.2.2. Team Impact and Departure
Black's powerful hitting had a direct and positive impact on the KT Wiz's performance. His influence was so significant that a phenomenon known as the "Dan Black Formula" emerged, referring to the team's undefeated record in games where he hit a home run. The KT Wiz experienced a remarkable surge in their winning percentage after his arrival, achieving a nearly .500 winning rate and acting as a formidable "spoiler" team against other clubs. However, his season was cut short when he sustained an injury just before the All-Star break, sidelining him for two months. Despite his strong performance, negotiations for a new contract after the season stalled, and Black ultimately departed from the KT Wiz.
3.3. Miami Marlins Organization
Following his time in the KBO League, Black returned to Major League Baseball's minor league system. On December 24, 2015, he signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins organization, which included an invitation to their Spring Training. He remained with the Marlins until his release on May 26, 2016.
3.4. Mexican League
After his release from the Marlins, Daniel Black continued his professional career in the Mexican League. On June 7, 2016, he signed with the Diablos Rojos del México. He played for the team until his release on September 23, 2016.
4. International Competition
Daniel Black had the opportunity to represent his country on the international stage, participating in a significant global baseball tournament.
4.1. 2015 WBSC Premier 12
Black was a member of the United States national baseball team that competed in the 2015 WBSC Premier12 tournament. The team performed exceptionally well in the competition, ultimately securing a silver medal. Black's participation contributed to the team's success in this prestigious international event.
5. Personal Life
Beyond his on-field achievements, Daniel Black is known for a distinctive personal quirk: it was reported in the news that he owned as many as four baseball helmets.
6. Legacy and Evaluation
Daniel Black's baseball career, particularly his stint in the KBO League, left a notable mark. His powerful hitting and consistent offensive production significantly bolstered the KT Wiz during his time with the team. The "Dan Black Formula," highlighting the team's undefeated record in games where he hit a home run, underscores his direct impact on the team's success and its improved winning percentage. While his time in Korea was brief, his contributions were highly regarded, making him a memorable foreign player in KBO history.