Dalton Oakman’s return to baseball a big hit in East Peoria

TL;DR

Dalton Oakman returns to baseball after a four-year break, pitching for East Peoria in a crucial game against Metamora. He has also been a starting quarterback and a state-qualifying wrestler.

Key points

Dalton Oakman returns to baseball after four years
He pitches for East Peoria in a key game against Metamora
Oakman was East Peoria's starting quarterback and a state-qualifying wrestler

Dalton OakmanEast Peoria RaidersMid-Illini ConferenceMetamora

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — He hasn’t played baseball in four years.

And you’d never know it.

East Peoria’s Dalton Oakman will pitch Wednesday’s key game with Metamora as the Raiders hope to stay in contention for the Mid-Illini Conference championship. He’s been a steady pitcher for EP since ending a four-year hiatus from baseball.

The lefty was East Peoria’s starting quarterback the past two seasons and is also a state-qualifying wrestler. He came out for baseball this spring and is playing for the first time since he was in junior high.

“I still had to work on fundamentals. But it’s throwing the ball and I’ve done that all my life. So, I knew I could fit right in,” said Oakman.

Oakman is the No. 2 starter on the Raiders, following Illinois State commit RJ Duncheon.

“I just believe I’m an athlete and if I set my mind to it, I can do it. I wasn’t afraid of failure because I have nothing to lose,” said Oakman. “That’s why I think I’m doing so well. I’m not holding weight on my shoulders. I’m just having fun.”

East Peoria (18-9, 9-2) beat Metamora, 3-1, on Monday to stay within a game of conference leader Dunlap (23-5, 10-1). The Raiders travel to Metamora on Wednesday to complete the two-game conference series.

“Dalton is that Wednesday (starter) that just makes me feel like I won the lotto. I just can’t believe it every single day,” said EP baseball coach Matt Plummer. “Now he’s worked his way into the batting order. He fights, he’s just a tough-nosed kid. A football player who does things right, works hard, and he is not scared of the moment.”

Oakman had already committed to play college football at Monmouth and now will also play baseball there after his big spring on the mound.

“I really love baseball but I couldn’t lose football. I had some other schools (recruit) me for baseball (only), but it was too hard to lose football,” said Oakman about playing both sports in college. “It’s going to be fun, I can’t wait.”

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Q&A

Why did Dalton Oakman take a break from baseball for four years?

Dalton Oakman focused on football and wrestling during his four-year hiatus from baseball.

What position does Dalton Oakman play in baseball?

Dalton Oakman plays as a pitcher for East Peoria's baseball team.

How has Dalton Oakman performed since returning to baseball?

Dalton Oakman has been a steady pitcher for East Peoria since returning to the sport this spring.