Delaney came to On Deck Academy during the fall of his junior year after playing several seasons of American Legion and Metro League through his high school. His first weekend with 2022 On Deck O’s, coached by Jason Hill, was attended by Coach Bresnahan of UNC Asheville and culminated with a campus visit and an official offer to join the Bulldogs, which he accepted. The very next weekend was WWBA in Atlanta and on the first pitch of the first game, Delaney fractured his leg while running through a wet first base on a bunt attempt. Delaney attempted to play through the unknown injury and had several hits while DH’ing or pinch-hitting. When X-rays revealed his injury Delaney was shut down for the remaining portion of the summer. Delaney remained with the team through every single practice, hitting session, team meeting, and game despite being unable to participate. He was a model teammate and remained a positive influence on those around him until he was able to return to action in the fall of his senior year.
Delaney went on to have a successful senior season at Hickory Ridge High School and then played in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League (SCBL) during the summer before reporting to UNCA where he earned All-League honors. Delaney red-shirted his first year in Asheville but was able to play summer ball in the Futures League near Boston where he led the Pittsfield Suns with a .343 batting average and was a finalist for the Fans Choice All-Star Team. Delaney did not allow this significant injury to end his career or even change the way he played the game. He is the first one on the field and he approaches every moment with passion and maximum effort. His love for competition and his desire to help his team win is infectious and on display for all to see and enjoy!
