Duke Baseball Lands Two Preseason All-Americans as Transfer Talent Shines Bright
There’s no denying it - Duke baseball is reloading in a big way this season, and the national spotlight is already taking notice. Two Blue Devils have been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) preseason All-America teams, and both are recent transfers who wasted no time making their mark at their previous programs.
Michael DiMartini: First Team All-America and a Bat That Just Won’t Quit
Let’s start with Michael DiMartini, who earned First Team All-America honors and brings a serious offensive punch to Durham. The outfielder comes over from Dayton, where his sophomore campaign was nothing short of electric. DiMartini put together a .403 batting average over 55 games - and that’s just the beginning.
He racked up 11 doubles, seven triples, and 14 home runs, driving in 65 runs along the way. His plate discipline was just as impressive, drawing 27 walks and finishing the season with a 1.150 OPS.
That’s a .465 on-base percentage and a .685 slugging percentage, for those keeping score at home. And while his bat is the headline, he held his own defensively too, recording four outfield assists.
A Pittsburgh native, DiMartini started his college career at Penn State, where he played in 13 games as a freshman before transferring to Dayton. Now, with a full head of steam and one of the most productive bats in college baseball, he’s set to be a key piece of Duke’s lineup.
Cider Canon: From Outfield to Behind the Plate - and Still Mashing
Joining DiMartini on the NCBWA All-America list is Cider Canon, who was named to the Fourth Team. Canon made the move to Duke from Davidson and is expected to take over as the Blue Devils’ starting catcher - a shift from his previous role in the outfield. But don’t let the position change distract you from what he can do at the plate.
Canon hit .371 in 48 games last season, launching 17 home runs and driving in 52 runs. He also added 16 doubles and three triples, showcasing a well-rounded offensive game. His 1.193 OPS - driven by a .460 OBP and a .733 slugging percentage - speaks volumes about his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
What’s especially intriguing about Canon is his adaptability. Transitioning from the outfield to catcher is no small task, but if he can handle the defensive demands behind the plate while continuing to swing the bat like he did at Davidson, he could be one of the most valuable players in the ACC this season.
Immediate Impact, National Recognition
Both DiMartini and Canon were named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team last season, and now they’re carrying that momentum into the national conversation. For Duke, this is more than preseason hype - it’s a sign that the program is attracting high-level talent and positioning itself for a serious run.
With two proven hitters joining the fold, the Blue Devils have the kind of offensive firepower that can change the complexion of a game - or a season. If DiMartini and Canon continue to produce at the level they’ve shown, Duke won’t just be a team to watch in the ACC. They’ll be a team to watch, period.