Daniel Descalso’s journey from a young baseball enthusiast to a seasoned professional player and coach is a testament to his passion, hard work, and dedication
His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and showcases the rewards of perseverance and commitment in sports.
Daniel Descalso’s career exemplifies perseverance, adaptability, and versatility. From his early days with the St. Louis Cardinals to his recent journey with the Minnesota Twins, Descalso’s impact on the field and in the clubhouse has been profound.
As he continues to pursue his passion for baseball, Descalso serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans alike, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible in the world of sports.
After retiring as a player, Descalso transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of bench coach for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024.
His experience as a player, coupled with his deep understanding of the game, makes him a valuable addition to the coaching staff.
Table of Contents
Daniel Descalso: Bio
The Journey of a Baseball Champion
Daniel William Descalso, born on October 19, 1986, is a renowned name in American baseball.1
From his early days in San Carlos Little League to his current role as the bench coach for the St. Louis Cardinals, Descalso’s journey is a testament to his passion and dedication to the sport.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Descalso, an Italian-American, was born in Redwood City, California, to Marylou and George Descalso.
He grew up with a love for baseball, playing in the local Little League and later attending Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California.
At Saint Francis, Descalso excelled both on the mound as the team’s number one starter and at second base. His talent did not go unnoticed, as he received several accolades, including All-Central Coast Section and West Catholic Athletic League honors.
In addition to baseball, Descalso also played football, showcasing his athleticism and versatility. His achievements on the football field, including a standout performance during the 2003 Homecoming game, further highlighted his natural talent for sports.
College Career and Professional Journey
Descalso continued his baseball journey at the University of California, Davis, where he played third base and studied economics.
His time at UC Davis was marked by outstanding performances, earning him a spot on the NCAA All-Independent First Team in 2007.
Descalso’s impressive stats, including a lifetime batting average of .397 and 92 career hits, solidified his status as one of the university’s standout players.
Following his junior year, Descalso was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 3rd round (112th overall) of the 2007 MLB Draft. His selection marked a significant milestone for UC Davis, as Descalso became the highest-drafted player in the university’s history.
Always go with extra pickles https://t.co/ZjIoC1PBaT
— Daniel Descalso (@DanielDescalso) April 2, 2024
Major League Career
Descalso made his MLB debut on September 18, 2010, for the St. Louis Cardinals, marking the beginning of a successful professional career.
Over the years, Descalso played for several MLB teams, including the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago Cubs. His versatility and strong defensive skills made him a valuable asset on the field.
One of Descalso’s career highlights came in 2011 when he was part of the St. Louis Cardinals team that won the World Series. His contributions to the team’s success solidified his reputation as a reliable and skilled player.
Daniel Descalso: Career
Daniel Descalso, a professional baseball player, has had a remarkable career marked by versatility and adaptability.2
From his early days with the St. Louis Cardinals to his recent stint with the Minnesota Twins, Descalso’s journey through Major League Baseball (MLB) has been nothing short of inspiring.
Let’s delve into the key moments and highlights of Descalso’s career.
Early Career with the St. Louis Cardinals
Descalso embarked on his professional career with the Batavia Muckdogs, the Short-Season A affiliate of the Cardinals in the New York–Penn League.
His skills were quickly noticed, and he played 69 games for the Muckdogs in 2007, showcasing his talent at third base and second base.
In 2008, Descalso moved up to the Palm Beach Cardinals, the High-A affiliate in the Florida State League, where he played 115 games. Despite batting .243, Descalso demonstrated his versatility by playing shortstop, 2nd base, and 3rd base.
His performance earned him a promotion to the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate in Missouri, where he hit an impressive .351 in just 9 games.
2009: Rise to Prominence
Descalso’s breakthrough came in 2009 with the Springfield Cardinals, where he had eight home runs and 51 runs batted in, showcasing his prowess at second base.
His remarkable line of .323/.396/.531 earned him a spot in the Double-A Texas League post-season all-star team.
Descalso’s stellar performance led to a promotion to Triple-A Memphis in early July, where he continued to excel, playing most games at 2nd base.
Named the 2009 Springfield Cardinals Player of the Year, Descalso’s achievements were further highlighted when he represented the gold medal-winning Team USA in the 2009 Baseball World Cup in Italy.
2010: Major League Debut
In 2010, Descalso impressed during the spring camp, batting .500 with nine runs batted in. He continued to shine through the season, primarily playing second base.
On September 18, his contract was purchased by the Cardinals, and he was promoted to the major leagues, making his debut against the San Diego Padres.
Descalso’s first game as a starter came on September 22 against the Pirates, where he garnered his first hit and first run batted in with a two-run double, showcasing his versatility by playing at third base.
2011: Establishing His Presence
The 2011 season saw Descalso’s continued growth, as he secured a spot on the Cardinals’ roster. His first major league home run on May 3 against the Florida Marlins was a game winner, highlighting his impact.
In a game against the Cincinnati Reds, Descalso stroked four hits with two runs batted in, further solidifying his importance to the team. His performance earned him a finalist spot for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award at third base for the National League.
2012–2014: Postseason Success
Descalso’s contributions were pivotal during the 2012 postseason.
In Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals, Descalso played a crucial role, homering, doubling, and hitting a two-run single to tie the game, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
2013: Career Milestones
In May 2013, Descalso hit his first career grand slam and tallied a career-high five runs batted in against the San Diego Padres.
Despite a slow start to the season, Descalso bounced back, demonstrating his versatility by making starts at second base, third base, and shortstop.
2014: Historic Infield Positions
Descalso made history in 2014 by becoming the first Cardinal player to start a game at each of the four infield positions within three consecutive days and four consecutive games, showcasing his adaptability and skill set.
Transition to the Colorado Rockies
Descalso signed a two-year deal with the Colorado Rockies in December 2014, where he continued to showcase his versatility and adaptability, playing in 101 games in 2015.
Despite hitting a career-worst .205, Descalso’s impact was felt both on and off the field, serving as a veteran presence and filling an important utility role.
Arizona Diamondbacks and Beyond
Descalso’s journey continued with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017, where he signed a one-year deal. He ended the season with career highs in home runs and runs batted in, further solidifying his value as a versatile player.
Descalso’s tenure with the Chicago Cubs began in 2019, where he signed a two-year contract. Despite a strong start to the season, Descalso’s performance declined, leading to limited playing time. Injuries further hampered his progress, and he missed the entire 2020 season due to a left ankle sprain.
A New Chapter with the Minnesota Twins
Descalso joined the Minnesota Twins organization in 2021, signing a minor league contract. Despite a challenging start with the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, Descalso’s resilience and determination remain evident as he continues to pursue his passion for baseball.
Daniel Descalso: Personal Life
Daniel Descalso, a well-known name in the world of baseball, is not just a talented player but also a devoted family man.3
His personal life is a testament to his character, highlighted by his loving marriage to Julia and their three beautiful children.
Additionally, a heartwarming incident involving a baseball fan and memorabilia collector named John Silva sheds light on Descalso’s early career and the impact he has had on those around him.
Marriage and Family
Descalso’s commitment to his family is evident in his marriage to Julia, with whom he shares a deep bond.
Together, they have been blessed with two sons and a daughter, creating a loving and supportive home environment for their children.
Despite the demands of his career, Descalso always makes time for his family, emphasizing the importance of balancing his professional and personal life.
A Remarkable Gesture
In December 2021, John Silva, a dedicated baseball fan and collector, made a remarkable discovery in his collection. Among his prized possessions was a baseball of unknown origin, which, upon further investigation, turned out to be the ball from Descalso’s very first major league hit.
This discovery sparked a chain of events that would ultimately reunite Descalso with a significant piece of his baseball history.
The Reunion
- Upon realizing the significance of the baseball in his collection, Silva knew that the ball belonged with Descalso.
- Determined to reunite the ball with its rightful owner, Silva reached out to Descalso and arranged for the ball to be returned to him.
- The reunion between Descalso and the baseball was a touching moment, highlighting the impact that a single hit can have on a player’s career and the sentimental value of baseball memorabilia.
- Daniel Descalso’s personal life is a reflection of his character both on and off the field. His dedication to his family and the game of baseball is commendable, and the story of the baseball’s return serves as a reminder of the connections that can be forged through the love of the game.
- As Descalso continues his career, both as a player and a family man, his story serves as an inspiration to all who know him.
