MaxPreps Student Section On February 20, 1983, Detroit Tigers' pitching phenom Justin Verlander was born. The right-hander received the 2006 American League Rookie of the Year award and threw a no-hitter in 2007 against the Milwaukee Brewers. On Verlander's 12th birthday, Robert
Robert Daugherty welcomed his way into the world in 1995. Since then, Robert has celebrated sixteen birthdays of his own and recently has been selected as "Player of the Week" for the
Pioneer (Woodland, Calif.) Varsity Baseball team for the week of April 24th to April 30th.
Robert Daugherty
Courtesy of Brian Wickstrom
The talented sophomore plays outfield, first base, and is the #2 left-handed pitcher in the rotation for the Patriots. 6'1", 180 pound Daugherty excelled in the three game series sweep of Natomas High School in TCC League play. Against the Nighthawks, Robert went a red-hot 5 for 8 with 3 doubles, one triple, 4 RBIs and 5 runs scored. He also tossed a complete game 2-hit shutout and struck out 9 batters in Game 2.
In his first Varsity season, Daugherty has been consistent, diligent, and a soft-spoken leader by example. As a measure of his strong work ethic, Robert is an offensive threat with a sizzling 0.410 batting average, 0.486 on base percentage, and 0.574 slugging percentage, while driving in13 runs and scoring 15 runs through 21 games.
Daugherty's offensive contributions from the #2 spot in the lineup have been matched by a masterful defensive performance. The Southpaw whose "stuff" consists of a changeup, curveball, and fastball scorching across the plate in the mid-to-high 80mph range has 47 strikeouts to date on the season in 32 innings of work with appearances in 7 games for a win-loss record of 3-1 and an ERA of 2.62.
Cheering on Daugherty from the stands are his parents, Michelle and Doug, and twelve year old brother Patrick. According to Robert, "My parents are my biggest fans." Daugherty's family also supports him in the summer when he plays travel ball with NorCal Valley Baseball 16U.
Robert Daugherty is smart, humble, and athletic. The sophomore young gun carries a 3.5 G.P.A. and is a three-sport athlete, starring as a Patriot for all seasons in football, basketball, and baseball. However, baseball is his love. He's been playing for eight years- that's nearly half his life. Believe it or not, Robert admits, "I sucked at baseball when I was nine years old." Well, good thing he stuck with it, because this kid has the ability to achieve a great amount of success.
When not playing baseball, Robert enjoys hanging out with friends and sleeping. He is an avid fan of the Oakland A's and San Francisco 49ers. If Daugherty could spent one day with any Major League Baseball player, he quickly responded, "Cliff Lee (Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher)." Robert loves Chinese food and eats Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast on game days.
As for college aspirations, Robert is hopeful to continue his baseball career at the next level. He is undecided on a major at this moment. By the end of his high school career, Daugherty's goal is to "Win Sections!" To date, Robert's favorite high school baseball memory he recalls is, "When I hit a homerun in the first at bat of my freshman year." As a freshman, Daugherty was honored as Team MVP in freshman basketball and freshman baseball. Robert was also recognized as an honor roll student in the Class of 2013. His advice to teammates and younger athletes is, "Have confidence. Believe you can do it." With this positive attitude, Daugherty brings his prowess to the mound and batter's box. Congratulations Robert, keep up the outstanding work!
