FEATURE: From Cougars to cow print, four Averett baseball players enjoying summer ball with Danville Dairy Daddies

DANVILLE, Va. — For those who know him, Averett University baseball’s Shane Michel ’24 is no stranger to bringing the energy when he hears his name called across the public address system. Normally, though, that is reserved for when he comes out of the bullpen as a relief pitcher and fires a few warm-up pitches as hard as he can to get himself pumped up. On this day, as his name was called, it was a little bit different — but Michel still found a way to bring his enthusiasm to the crowd.

During Averett’s commencement on May 4, Michel took a few steps as he matriculated across the stage and removed his mortarboard to reveal a black and white cow print bandana. With a turn to the crowd, he pointed to the logo that adorned it and continued over to get his degree.

Even weeks before he donned a uniform, it was evident Michel was excited to be a part of the Danville Dairy Daddies’ collegiate summer league baseball team, an expansion franchise in the Old North State League that has taken the city and all of social media by storm.

“This has allowed someone with my personality on and off the field to shine,” Michel said. “Around town we are recognized by people and it sparks up conversations about the team and me as a person, so it has created more than just fun but a personal connection with people in Danville.”

Michel is one of four Averett baseball players who are on the Dairy Daddies’ roster this summer, along with Jake Braun, Eric Hanson ’24 and Trevor Testerman.

“It has been really fun playing with my other Averett teammates,” Testerman said. “We have gotten closer and have really built a strong relationship with one another. I think this will help us tremendously when we get back to Averett next year for our season.”

Michel and Braun have pitched, Testerman has played infield and Hanson has split time in the outfield and on the mound this season for the Dairy Daddies.

“Playing for the Dairy Daddies has been one of the best baseball experiences I’ve ever had,” said Hanson, who has enjoyed getting to play outfield and hit after serving strictly as a pitcher at Averett. “The environment of playing in front of the people of Danville has been amazing. This is the most fun brand of baseball I’ve played. My favorite part is the amount of support you receive from the people of Danville. Every game has great energy which is an amazing feeling.”

The Dairy Daddies serve as a collegiate summer league team to help current college players hone their skills during the summer, but the team also emphasizes a fun atmosphere. It’s still baseball, so it’s not quite as stretched rule-wise as say the infamous Savannah Bananas — although the Dairy Daddies did have some “udderly” ridiculous rules for their recent ONSLY Fans 18-and-up game.

“Playing for the Dairy Daddies is a once in a lifetime opportunity, said Braun, who is in his second summer playing in Danville after last season playing for Danville’s other team, the Danville Otterbots of the Appalachian League. “The atmosphere is great and I love my teammates and the fans. I think it will be something I’ll remember forever.”

All four Averett baseball players on the Dairy Daddies’ roster have enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the fans, especially kids.

“I really enjoy interacting with the kids and giving them baseball and signing autographs,” Testerman said. “It’s really awesome to bond with the kids and talk about baseball with them. It was pretty cool to see that some of those kids came to the Averett baseball camp this summer. So in a way, it makes me feel as though I’m making an impact for our younger generation for the game of baseball.”

The experience has also helped Testerman, Braun and Michel — who is planning to use his fifth year of eligibility. They’ve certainly milked the experience, gaining knowledge from their coaches and teammates, who range from other Old Dominion Athletic Conference teams to Division I players. For Braun, who missed a bulk of Averett’s season with an injury, the chance to pitch for the Dairy Daddies already has him excited for next season at Averett.

“Getting my first start and hearing my song being played was the best,” Braun recalled. “It truly made me feel like myself and again and is making me more excited to get back to Averett.”

Averett’s connections to the Dairy Daddies and the Old North State League go beyond the field of play. Strength and conditioning coach Trey Belcher ’06 played baseball at Averett, as did clubhouse manager Ethan Stephens ’24. Recently hired Averett athletics communications graduate assistant Zoe Winnes ‘24 has also worked as a showrunner and former Averett men’s lacrosse standout Calvin Beavers ’24 works in ballpark operations for both the Dairy Daddies and Otterbots. Several other Averett student-athletes have summer jobs at the ballpark in various capacities. Around the league, Averett baseball assistant coach Gavin Birkhimer serves as the head coach of the Pineville Porcupines. Former Averett football player Dr. Nic Sturdifen '07/'10 and his wife, Kaylin ‘05/’07, a former Averett cheerleader and cheer coach for the Cougars, are owners of the High Point Hushpuppies. And the ONSL commissioner is none other than Averett Athletics Hall of Famer Eric Sibrizzi ‘10/’14, a former standout infielder and assistant coach on the Averett baseball team.

The Dairy Daddies play through the end of July, with the last home game on July 25.

“This summer ball experience has already helped me in many ways,” Testerman said. “But to be able to work on things and having the ability to play the game I love is amazing. At the end of the day I want to be able to accomplish my goals and get better every single day, and playing for this team is allowing me to do that.”