EW grad Daniels headed to Brunswick CC for baseball

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on June 12, 2016 1:47 AM

• Print
• Email

rcoggins@newsargus.com

Lee Daniels learned about the greatest show on dirt during his four seasons at Eastern Wayne, which developed the reputation as a quality baseball program with a winning tradition.

He'll continue that journey.

Just one day before graduation, Daniels signed a national letter-of-intent to play at Brunswick Community College. He rejected offers from UNC Asheville, Lenoir Community College, University of Mount Olive and UNC Wilmington.

BCC felt like home.

"The one thing that stood out the most about Brunswick was (head) Coach (Bobby) Allen," said Lee, who turned his tassel Saturday morning and officially ended his high school career.

"We have a lot in common. We like to hunt, fish, play baseball ... that kind of stuff. He seemed like a father figure down there and that's what he preaches -- family first."

Daniels recalled the Warriors' final game of 2016.

Head coach Jabo Fulghum gathered his seniors together down the left-field line. Tears flowed as they wrapped their arms around each other, including the man they regarded as their father figure for four years as they proudly wore the blue and old gold.

Fulghum delivered a simple message and said he'd always be there for them.

"That was tough," Daniels said.

An infielder with a scrappy edge and solid glove, Daniels wore his heart on his sleeve. He never carried the disappointment of an error to the plate, and never let an unsuccessful at-bat affect his focus on the field.

That "even keel" character surfaced during the Warriors' opening-round state 3-A playoff game at Hillsborough Orange. BCC assistant coach Casey Fries attended the game and walked away impressed with Daniels' strong display of character.

"Baseball is a game of failure," said Daniels, who is not known as a power hitter, but can pound an opposing team into submission with his ability to move runners around the diamond.

""Dealing with that has been the toughest thing ... overcoming it, moving on (and) staying on that even keel. I think that's one of the things that he (Fries) liked about me."

Daniels batted .257 with 18 hits and scored 14 runs this season. He logged a career-best .955 fielding percentage -- 26 putouts and 58 assists in 88 total chances.

He posted a career batting average of .301 with 62 total hits and 48 runs scored.

BCC emerged as the Region X Carolinas/Virginia Conference II champion and won the Southeast Regional. The Dolphins (42-17 overall) advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) World Series for the second time in Allen's career.

A former All-American shortstop at Clemson and first-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Allen is expected to return 13 sophomores and 12 red-shirt players next season.

The "Fins" are losing their starting shortstop, who signed with Campbell University. Daniels hopes he can step in and earn some playing time.

"I should have a good shot to be able to be on the field next year and that's one of the reasons I chose Brunswick," Daniels said. "I just felt the JUCO route is best for me as far as getting physically and then transfer. I'll have all of my options available after two years. I can transfer to any school that I want to or I can stop playing.

"At least I'll have two years of education."

But Daniels not ruling out searching for another quality program built on a winning tradition.

Gritty players never do.