Baseball Player Magazine

In 2009, Dowling ace Gabriel Duran had a season for the ages, taking home an abundance of awards. Two of those awards included Division II Pitcher of the Year honors from both the ECC and the ECAC.

Duran’s junior season was just as spectacular, if not better, as the ECAC and the ECC named him Division II Pitcher of the Year for a second straight season. The former La Salle Academy star led all of Division II with a 0.74 ERA, allowing just five earned runs in 60.2 innings pitched. He also threw five complete games and tossed two no-hitters. In the middle of his great season, Duran became the Golden Lions’ all-time strikeout leader with his 192nd career strikeout that came on April 17th during a game against Molloy.

Dowling head baseball coach Chris Celano sees something in his young and prized pitcher that allows him to shine amongst his competitors.

“Gabriel has been a model teammate and student-athlete during his career at Dowling,” Celano said. “He is naturally gifted with a good arm, but what separates him in my opinion is his ability to compete through  adversity on the mound and be so consistent. I think that defines his work ethic and desire to constantly improve.”

As a great teammate and hard worker, Duran embraces a leadership role, as he helps make the transition easier for some of the freshmen.

“My role as a senior is to be a leader and to show these guys that you can’t take anything for granted because the season goes by quick,” Duran said. “My message is just have fun.”

In addition to leading the Division II level in ERA, the 5’10 right-hander had pinpoint control last season, as he finished with 68 strikeouts while issuing just 19 walks. Opposing batters hit a lowly .150 against him. Just like his idols, he simply had the ability to take over a game.

“Growing up, I used to watch Roger Clemens and his mechanics,” Duran said. “I really admired him because of the way he pitched and the attitude that he had on the field. Now, I admire Roy Halladay because he’s very calm and dominant.”

Starting in March, Gabriel Duran will look to complete another sensational season as he closes the book on his Dowling career. His coach expects nothing less than more of the same numbers for the senior.

 “I don’t expect any kind of drop-off this season based on Gabby’s competitive nature and his willingness to work hard,” Celano said.

As for the man himself, Duran is determined to end his collegiate career on a high note, both in the classroom and on the field. At the same time, his ultimate desire of playing at the net level remains the same.

 “My goal right now is to stay focused on school,” he said. “But, I’m leaning towards a baseball career in the future. If it doesn’t work out it would be heartbreak.”