Former Pepperdine baseball player saw playing time in the recent Detroit Tigers vs. San Francisco Giants World Series matchup.
Pepperdine’s Danny Worth, No. 29 for the Tigers, joined the ranks of many great athletes as he earned a spot on the 2012 World Series roster. The Tigers won the Central Division with an 88-74 record in the regular season, continuing on to the World Series against the San Francisco Giants. After fighting four games, the Tigers lost to the Giants this year, but are favored to come back to the World Series next year.
After the game, Worth tweeted, “Amazing season. So proud to be a part of this organization. Thank you to all the fans for making it so memorable. #Tigers.”
Worth was a good sport and team player even before his professional career began.
He came to the baseball program at Pepperdine from Valencia, Calif., ranked No. 7 in the nation. He left his mark as a Wave, earning the titles of All-American and West Coast Conference All-Star. Worth’s collegiate statistics landed him a spot as the No. 9 ranked player in West Coast Conference. He was a very versatile player and led the team as a three-year starter as shortstop. In addition to his successful collegiate career, Worth majored in telecommunications/production-multimedia.
Ten-year Head Coach Steve Rodriguez commented on what this season means for his past athlete, “This is a terrific opportunity for Danny. We are so proud of what he was able to accomplish during his career here and how he has translated that into success at the highest level.”
Worth’s hard work translated into phenomenal performances, including a .320 batting average with seven home runs, 108 RBIs and 119 runs. He is ranked No. 2 in the Pepperdine record books with 59 doubles. He made the All-WCC first team in 2007 and was honorable mention in 2006 and second team in 2005. Worth led the Waves to victory in the West Coast Conference in 2005 and 2006 and advanced to the NCAA Regionals all three of his seasons. Pepperdine proudly supported Worth as he began his professional career after leaving the Waves.
He entered the Minor Leagues ranked No. 11 in career hits, No. 12 in at-bats (741) and No. 18 in total bases while playing in 183 consecutive games for the Waves. He made the Major Leagues for the first time in 2010 with Detroit. The 27 year old has played second and third base for the Tigers since 2011. In his career with the Tigers, Worth batted .244, hit two home runs and appeared in 30 Major League games. Fresh off the World Series, Worth begins his off-season training soon.
Worth is one of five Pepperdine baseball alumni currently in the Major Leagues. He is the only one to achieve what most professional baseball players can only aspire to attain. Danny Worth’s name has gone down in history on the World Series Roster. No. 29 is enthusiastically supported by his alma mater as he continues his bright future in America’s favorite pastime.
