" I always joke with Mike he is a utility guy which sometimes is a bad label for kids because he can play anywhere."
In major league terms, utility player is an insult.
But for the Vestal Golden Bears it's a common theme, as Mike Danaher is one of several players capable of filling multiple roles.
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" Being able to play all these different positions because we would be up at docs field practicing. We would have Jeremy Baltz playing shortstop and I would be out in right field. All these guys are incredible you put them in one place but they can play somewhere else and it's not really like playing out of position.
From a coaching standpoint what an asset he can be. He plays third base but he catches. Even our guys that are highly touted like Pat and Jeremy they look to Mike now to say this kid is an outstanding ballplayer."
As well rounded as he is on the field, in the class Mike has a one track mind.
He's a part of the new visions program allowing him to scrub in on surgeries for a future in medicine.
" I knew I wanted to get into the health field but I do know exactly what maybe something online to physical therapy. I actually broke my back two years ago so after working with Todd Mansfield and Dr. Van Gorder and all of them I knew I wanted to get into the health field."
He's open to whatever future career may open up in the medical field.
Just as he is to trying a new position on the baseball diamond.
That's all part of why Mike Danaher is this week's academic all star.