Sandhills Bogeys Pitcher Takes Home the 2026 ONSL Pitcher of the year award

After putting together a dominant summer, Hunter Dakan has been named the 2026 Old North State League Pitcher of the Year.

The left-hander from Morgantown, West Virginia was electric nearly every time he took the mound, striking out at least six hitters in five of his starts this season including two outings where he struck out double digits. He finished with 49 strikeouts in 41 innings and had a 1.54 earned run average. Dakan also threw a no hitter against the Highland Hooligans on July 2nd and took home the ONSL Pitcher of the Week for his performance. After a summer filled with dominant performances, Dakan finally received the call he had been waiting for. "I was really just excited. I found out from the commissioner, and I was just excited,” Dakan said. Despite ending the summer with the league's highest individual pitching honor, Dakan said awards were never on his mind when he arrived in the ONSL. “I really just came to have a good time and develop myself while having fun. It exceeded my expectations,” Dakan said. Dakan, an incoming junior transfer at Point Park University, is set for a great first season with the Pioneers after an outstanding season with The Bogeys. Dakan credits a lot of his success to his approach to the season. “This is still a kid’s game,” Dakan said, “We’re all just having fun.” This simple approach to baseball guided Dakan to an incredible season ultimately culminating in an ONSL title and being named the Pitcher of the Year. While Dakan’s mindset played a significant role in his success, he was quick to credit Coach Andy Fox for helping him this summer. “Fox is great. Whether it be just cue stuff or the mental side, thinking the game, I think he really helped me in terms of getting smarter," Dakan said. With the support of his coaches, teammates, and the Bogeys fans, Dakan was able to put together one of the best pitching seasons in the ONSL. While Dakan’s time in the ONSL has come to an end, the impact of his summer is just beginning. After leading the Bogeys to a league championship and earning 2026 ONSL Pitcher of the Year honors, the Point Park transfer now turns his focus to the Pioneers as he continues his baseball career.