HENDERSON, Nev. (February 21, 2023) – Some players just have 'it'.
 
What 'it' is can be hard to quantify or qualify; however, you know 'it' when you see 'it'. Southern Nevada alum Damiano Palmegiani had all of 'it'; he could hit, he could field, he worked hard in the offseason, he valued his time in the classroom. He's always had 'it', which means there were few surprised individuals around the CSN Baseball program when the Canadian native was named to 'Team Canada' for the upcoming 'World Baseball Classic'. 
 
While his ongoing success is something to celebrate, CSN coach Nick Garritano said Palmegiani's background as a college player set a strong foundation for him.
 
"I have never seen a player with a better work ethic than Damiano," noted Garritano. "He would constantly show up to the field two hours before practice after his classes and hit, and then stay an extra hour after practice to get a ton of repetitions off the machine. His weight room habits were incredible as well, and that was a huge tribute to his success on the field. You don't get a chance to coach players like Damiano very often, so it was an absolute pleasure to share a field with him."
 
Palmegiani starred for the Coyotes during the 2021 season, hitting .389 with 26 home runs and 81 RBI's. He led Southern Nevada to a record of 46-17, with the Coyotes making it to the NJCAA Western District title game.
 
The Toronto Blue Jays prospect said his time at Southern Nevada was a formative experience for him.
 
"My experience at CSN helped me prepare by not taking any days for granted and making the most of whatever opportunities to improve I'm given," said Palmegiani. "I enjoyed the winning culture, and having teammates and staff around me who wanted to push each other."
 
Looking ahead to the upcoming 'World Baseball Classic', Palmegiani said being able to represent his country is an incredible feeling.
 
"It's a special moment," he wistfully stated. "It's something I've always dreamed about, and anyone who knows me knows how much pride I have in being Canadian."
 
Southern Nevada has long been the starting place for many great players. Names like Bryce Harper, Mike Dunn and others have graced Morse Stadium, with Palmegiani's continued exploits etching his name on the same list.
 
"Damiano is hands down the most prolific hitter I personally have ever coached and would rank second in program history, only behind Bryce Harper," said Garritano. "'Dami' was a fierce competitor that hated to lose much more than he liked to win. He was a First Team All – American, leading the country in home runs that year with 26, and he was also a First Team Academic All-America selection in the classroom by posting a 4.0 GPA for the entire year. He simply is an incredible human being, player and teammate."
 
Indeed, Garritano said CSN's program culture cultivates growth for players.
 
"Our coaches spend a ton of time recruiting the right fits for our program," he stated. "Some years we win more games than others, but the culture is what creates the success in my opinion. 
 
"Damiano was the consummate teammate and professional to lead our 2021 club. He led by example by his actions on what we preach daily. When players come back to see us, or call to chat, they constantly talk about the culture and chemistry that is built within our program."
 
'Team Canada' will play in Pool C in Phoenix, competing against teams like the United States, Mexico, Colombia and Great Britain. Canada will open on March 12 in a game against Great Britain.
 
Palmegiani said his goals are to find ways to contribute to the team's success in pool play.
 
"I want everyone on the team to know I'm ready to contribute in whatever I'm asked to do," he said. "I'll be prepared for any situation, and I want to represent Canada well with the way I work and compete."