After a four-year break from baseball, Dalton Oakman is making a triumphant return to the diamond—and he's already a key player for East Peoria High School.
The left-handed pitcher, who last played baseball in junior high, will take the mound Wednesday in a crucial Mid-Illini Conference matchup against Metamora. It's a game that could keep the Raiders in the hunt for the conference title, and Oakman is ready for the challenge.
"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," Oakman said.
A multi-sport standout, Oakman was East Peoria's starting quarterback for the past two seasons and is also a state-qualifying wrestler. He came out for baseball this spring, marking his first time playing since middle school. Now, he's the No. 2 starter for the Raiders, right behind 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," Oakman explained. "That's why I think I'm doing so well. I'm not holding weight on my shoulders. I'm just having fun."
That fearless attitude has paid off. East Peoria (18-9, 9-2) recently beat Metamora 3-1 on Monday, pulling within one game of conference leader Dunlap (23-5, 10-1). The Raiders travel to Metamora on Wednesday to complete the two-game series, and Oakman will be on the mound.
Head coach Matt Plummer can't hide his excitement about having Oakman on the roster.
"Dalton is that Wednesday starter that just makes me feel like I won the lotto. I just can't believe it every single day," Plummer said. "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, but after his impressive spring on the mound, he'll also join the baseball team there. For a player who thrives on competition, the chance to play both sports in college is a dream come true.
"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," Oakman said. "It's going to be fun, I can't wait."