Being the number three hitter and starting third basemen on any baseball team is very impressive.

Daniel Nimoy of the Moorpark College Raiders is hoping to take his baseball career to the next level at Sonoma State University next semester.

Nimoy is in his second year on the baseball team, and has loved every moment of it. When asked about his love and passion for baseball, Nimoy exclaimed “It’s just so exhilarating.” He also says the bonds he has made playing baseball will last a lifetime, and his fellow team mates agree as well.

“He’s a hard worker and it’s great to have a guy like him on the team. It’s also nice to have guys like him in the infield because I know I can trust him to get all those ground balls,” said Greg Waxler, a good friend and a pitcher for Moorpark.

Since coming to Moorpark, Nimoy feels as though he has matured a lot and improved his game. He said that the difference before playing for Moorpark versus after is “day and night.” He said that these past few years have been the most important growing years of his baseball career.

Growing up, Nimoy dedicated his life to baseball, playing since he was just 5-years-old. He started out playing in recreational park leagues in Van Nuys, then went on to play for Sherman Oaks and a Northridge little league team where he made the all stars.

After years of playing little league, Nimoy joined the Valley Bull Dogs, a travel team coached by former professional baseball players. One of those coaches is Brett Barberie, who still mentors Nimoy in baseball.

Barberie spoke very highly of Nimoy.

“Nimoy is one of the most dedicated, hard working players that I have ever coached, he really loves the game,” said Barberie.

Nimoy has gained plenty of knowledge from Barberie.

“I learned everything I know from Brett, he taught me everything I know about baseball,” said Nimoy.

Nimoy continued on to play three years of varsity at Granada Hills High School, where he was second team all conference right behind Matt Dominguez, who later got drafted and went on to play for the Florida Marlins.

This season Nimoy has started at third base, which is his favorite position to play.
“It’s just fun, it’s not soft hit balls, they are do or die plays and you are not just standing around doing nothing,” said Nimoy. Earlier in the season, Nimoy suffered from a slight separation in his wrist tendon, but after a few weeks of rehab was back to full strength.

Head coach Mario Porto said he enjoyed having Nimoy in his program.

“Daniel is a hard working player that prides himself in getting better every day,” said Porto. “It has been a pleasure coaching Daniel for these past two years. He is a great person as well as a good baseball player. He is one of those players that a coach would want a whole team of.” Coach Porto also added that Sonoma state would be a great place for Nimoy to further his career.

College baseball takes a lot of hard work and dedication, which Nimoy already knows a lot about.

“Moorpark helped me to mature and teach me the tools I am going to need at the next level next year,” said Nimoy. “I am excited for the opportunity I have to play next year.”