Latest news with #DanielSchneemann
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3 days ago
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'He just never ever stops': Daniel Schneemann's resolve, wife key his journey to Guardians
Daniel Schneemann worked as a delivery driver for Uber Eats to make ends meet as he trudged through the minor leagues. The sacrifice eventually paid off. For a little more than a year, Schneemann has been living his Major League Baseball dream with the Guardians. The accomplishment required an unconventional marathon to become a reality. Advertisement 'I just love the game,' Schneemann told the Beacon Journal. 'That's kind of what kept me going, even through my struggles.' Daniel Schneemann's wife Allie Hancock-Schneemann helps him navigate MLB journey Schneemann's wife, Allie Hancock-Schneemann, also played a vital role. They met as freshmen at Brigham Young University, where he played baseball and she played softball. They were married in 2019. Schneemann, 28, still spends his offseasons training with BYU baseball, and Hancock-Schneemann is an assistant softball coach at the school. The couple has a 2-year-old girl, Kendall, and is expecting another daughter in late August. Advertisement When Hancock-Schneemann isn't coaching, she's often traveling to attend Guardians games. She has visited Akron in the past because Schneemann's five-plus seasons in the minors included time with the Double-A RubberDucks in 2021 and 2022. 'She's been more supportive than anyone could have been throughout my journey,' Schneemann said. Cleveland Guardians utility player Daniel Schneemann, BYU assistant softball coach Allie Hancock-Schneemann and their daughter, Kendall, at Progressive Field. Daniel Schneemann's stats show his versatile contribution to the Guardians At age 27, Schneemann made his MLB debut on June 2, 2024, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, and he's been with the Guardians ever since. This season, he's batting .243 with seven doubles, seven home runs, 18 RBIs, five stolen bases, 21 runs and a .755 OPS. A utility man, Schneemann has played primarily second base this year after making most of his 2024 appearances in the outfield and at shortstop. Advertisement A native of Chula Vista, California, Schneemann was drafted by Cleveland in the 33rd round (No. 1,003 overall) in 2018. Earning a roster spot in the majors took him six years. 'It's been something I've been trying to achieve my whole life, and I'm just glad I'm here,' he said. Guardians news: 'It's baby steps': Lane Thomas returns from injury as Cleveland looks for offensive help Cleveland Guardians utility man Daniel Schneemann and his wife, Allie Hancock-Schneemann, when they played for BYU baseball and softball, respectively. Hancock-Schneemann began her college softball coaching career as a volunteer assistant after her final season as a player in 2019 and didn't receive a salary until the fall of 2021. During two offseasons before his wife's promotion, Schneemann delivered food and taught hitting lessons in Provo, Utah, where they reside. Advertisement Enduring those times has made Schneemann's Guardians experience even sweeter. 'I knew that he wasn't going to stop until he made it, and now that he's made it he's set another goal to stay here,' Hancock-Schneemann said by phone. 'He's going to do everything he can to stay up where he's at and contribute to the team.' Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann turns a fifth-inning double play against the Milwaukee Brewers, May 12, 2025, in Cleveland. Amid Cleveland's up-and-down 2025 season, Schneemann has repeatedly provided a bright spot. The Guardians (35-35) could use more of it as they seek a turnaround. 'I know what type of defender he was at BYU, and that was kind of his calling card,' BYU baseball coach Trent Pratt, Schneemann's hitting coach in college, said during a phone interview. 'Offensively, he just kept getting bigger and stronger. Advertisement 'You just kind of have those kids that don't quit. They're going to find a way, and that's kind of how he's always been. He wasn't a big recruit out of high school. He came here, he works like crazy and got better every year.' Guardians infielder Daniel Schneemann throws to first base falling on a fifth-inning infield single by Alec Bohm, May 11, 2025 in Cleveland. A former standout a first base, Hancock-Schneemann has been there to toss baseballs to her husband in batting cages and hit him ground balls for fielding drills. Having someone who can listen and relate might be even more valuable. 'She's helped me with a lot of things, especially mentally staying positive,' Schneemann said. More Cleveland Guardians coverage: 'The evolution of a starting pitcher': Gavin Williams' cutter usage a key aspect to 2025 BYU assistant softball coach Allie Hancock-Schneemann, Cleveland Guardians utility man Daniel Schneemann and their daughter, Kendall, at Huntington Park when Schneemann played for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. Before Hancock-Schneemann began dating Schneemann when they were BYU sophomores, he told her he had planned for baseball to be his future, and he didn't have a contingency in mind, either. His focus never wavered. Advertisement 'Ever since then, I just knew that he was going to make it,' Hancock-Schneemann said. 'And there was a couple years in the minors where he really struggled, and I'm sure a lot of people were like, 'Oh, I don't know if this dude's going to make it, or is he going to quit?' But I always knew deep down that he was going to make it. 'Because I played a similar sport and coach that sport still, I understand how much time has to be put into it, and I know that there's going to be ups and downs, so I was able to be patient through all the downs of the grind of the minor leagues. I was just able to understand that because of playing softball and how much of a failure sport it is.' Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann tags out Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford in the fourth inning, June 14, 2025, in Seattle. COVID-19, injury added challenges to Daniel Schneemann's path to the Guardians Reasons for doubt emerged along the way. Advertisement The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020 minor-league season. Then, in July 2021, Schneemann suffered a season-ending right hand injury with Akron and underwent surgery. He needed pins inserted into his wrist, Hancock-Schneemann said. 'It was definitely stressful,' Hancock-Schneemann added. 'There were a lot of times where he was just super frustrated with how everything was going. 'But … as soon as he was allowed to do stuff with his wrist, he was right back at it early in the offseason, grinding it out, so he just never ever takes a break. As soon as the season's over, I'm like, 'Let's go on vacation. Let's take a little break.' And he's like, 'Nope.' He just never ever stops. It's kind of crazy.' Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann rounds the bases after an eighth-inning solo home run at the Washington Nationals, May 6, 2025. Still, a breakthrough was far from guaranteed. A turning point occurred after Schneemann returned from injury and struggled in 2022. He decided to gain about 25 pounds in the buildup to the 2023 season. Advertisement 'He just said, 'I need to hit for more power. I'm going to take this offseason super seriously with what I eat,'' Hancock-Schneemann said. 'He always took it super seriously baseball-wise, like hitting and doing all that stuff. 'But that was the first time where he was like, 'I'm going to take it super seriously with what I eat and have a meal plan and gain a bunch of weight and change the way I work out.' He made a lot of changes, and it was noticeable.' Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann looks on during an at-bat in the first inning against at the Detroit Tigers, May 24, 2025. The improvement Schneemann demonstrated with Triple-A Columbus led him to the Guardians. Nowadays, when Schneemann toils at BYU in the offseason, his old coach uses him as an example. Advertisement 'It's good for our players to see,' Pratt said. 'I tell them, 'Hey, you guys think you want to be a big leaguer? Watch how he works every day. He's here more than you guys. He's at the field the whole time.' 'It's good for our players to see a story like him and see a kid like that and what he went through. It's like, 'Man, you can get to the big leagues.' He's a prime example of that. It wasn't easy for him.' Yet, perseverance ultimately allowed Schneemann to go from moonlighting for Uber Eats to sticking with the Guardians. Cleveland Guardians schedule The Guardians have lost nine of their past 12 games and are coming off a 3-0 series defeat at the Seattle Mariners. They'll begin a three-game series at the San Francisco Giants on June 17 and a three-game series at the Athletics on June 20 before returning home to face the Toronto Blue Jays on June 24. Advertisement Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@ On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich . This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Daniel Schneemann sticks with Guardians as softball coach wife assists
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'We need to relax': Guardians' struggles continue, players meet after Sonny Gray nearly perfect
CLEVELAND — Some may look at the current state of the Guardians and say the team is at a crossroads. They stumbled into the final weekend of June at 40-40. Sure, they're still in the thick of the wild card race. Winning the American League Central Division for a second straight year may be a pipe dream, though. Advertisement There are disturbing signs. The Guardians defense has been shoddy and the offense has looked lifeless. St. Louis' Sonny Gray held them to just one hit in a near perfect game in the Cardinals' 5-0 win at Progressive Field on June 27. It was the second time in as many days the Guardians were shut out. They totaled just three hits in the two games. They also committed six errors. What gives? "I think a lot of us are trying to do too much and maybe I can be an example of this, too," infielder Daniel Schneemann said. "We're not having a lot of fun right now. We need to do a better job of bringing more energy and staying positive." St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray delivers a first-inning pitch against the Guardians, June 27, 2025, in Cleveland. The Guardians held a players meeting afterward. No specifics were discussed. It came on the heels of three losses in four games to start the homestand. Advertisement "I think what we need to do best is come in and work hard," Schneemann said. "Once we shift our energy, I think the work will start to translate." Manager Stephen Vogt feels his players are trying to be perfect. Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo tosses the ball to first in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals, June 27, 2025, in Cleveland. "We need to relax," Vogt said. "We need to just take a deep breath, take a step back and just go play baseball. "The mistakes we're making are mental. They're not physical. We're sped up and we just need to be better. We need to slow down and remember we're a really good baseball team. "We're the most prepared team. We practice the best. We're just not playing relaxed. In this game you have to be relaxed. It's a slow-paced game. When you're tense, you don't move as well." Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz delivers a pitch in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals, June 27, 2025, in Cleveland. Starter Luis Ortiz committed the Guardians' two errors. His throwing error on a pickoff attempt with two outs in the third was followed by Cardinals right fielder Alec Burleson's three-run homer. It gave St. Louis a 3-0 lead. Advertisement That was more than enough support for Gray. He retired the first 14 hitters he faced before Nolan Jones singled with two outs in the fifth. Gray regrouped and retired the last 13 hitters for his first complete game since 2017. He threw just 89 pitches (66 strikes) and struck out 11. "He had everything working," Vogt said. "His command. Where he was putting every pitch. I think the only pitch he left in the strike zone was the one Nolan got the base hit." Masyn Winn (left) and Alec Burleson of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate after scoring on Burleson's two-run home run in the third inning against the Guardians, June 27, 2025, in Cleveland. Vogt caught Gray when they were teammates with the Athletics. The one-hit shutout reminded Vogt a lot of another gem Gray threw at Progressive Field. Advertisement "In 2015, a two-hit shutout," Vogt said. "I liked that one better." On X: @mpopovichREP | On Instagram: mike_popovich | On TikTok: mikepopovich This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Sonny Gray holds Guardians to one hit, Cleveland holds players meeting
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
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Schneeman hits 3-run homer power the Guardians past Verlander and the Giants, 4-2
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase throws to a San Francisco Giants batter during the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander throws to a Cleveland Guardians batter during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Cleveland Guardians' Daniel Schneemann runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Cleveland Guardians' Daniel Schneemann runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase throws to a San Francisco Giants batter during the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander throws to a Cleveland Guardians batter during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Cleveland Guardians' Daniel Schneemann runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Daniel Schneeman hit a three-run home run to keep Justin Verlander winless in a San Francisco uniform, powering the Cleveland Guardians to a 4-2 victory over the Giants on Wednesday night. Verlander (0-4) allowed four runs (three earned) in 4 2/3 innings after being activated off the Injured List earlier in the day. The nine-time All-Star gave up seven hits and had six strikeouts in his first start since May 18. Advertisement Kyle Manzardo doubled twice and Jose Ramirez added an RBI-single to help the Guardians clinch their first series win in San Francisco since 2005. Heliot Ramos homered for the Giants. Schneeman's home run, his first since May 27, came on an 0-2 fastball from Verlander in the fourth. Carlos Santana reached on a fielding error by second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald and Lane Thomas singled before Schneeman's homer. Logan Allen (5-4) gave up two runs and four hits in 5 1/3 innings to get the win for the Guardians. Matt Festa and Tim Herrin each retired three batters, Cade Smith set down two and Emmanuel Clase got Patrick Bailey to strike out looking in the ninth for his 16th save. Advertisement Key moment After the Giants' Mike Yastrzemski drew a one-out walk in the seventh then advanced to second on a balk by Cade Smith, Smith worked out of the jam and retired Patrick Bailey and Ramos on consecutive swinging strikeouts. Key stat The Giants got their leadoff hitter on base in four innings and failed to score each time. Up next Giants ace RHP Logan Webb (6-5, 2.58 ERA) was set to face Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (5-3, 3.89) in the series finale Thursday. ___ AP MLB:
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
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Yankees 0, Guardians 4: Good news and bad news after brutal offensive performance leads to loss
Some games feel cursed before they even settle in—and Wednesday night had that energy for the New York Yankees. From the moment the first pitch was thrown in New York, nothing broke in their favor. The bats were quiet, the pitching stumbled early, and a few unheralded names in Guardians jerseys played the role of spoiler to perfection. Advertisement If baseball is a game of breaks, the Yankees just experienced one of those dreaded nights when everything shattered. Clarke Schmidt rebounds, but early damage proves costly It didn't take long for the tone of the game to change. After a few pitches, the Guardians were up 3-0. Clarke Schmidt gave up a two-run blast to Angel Martinez and an RBI double to Daniel Schneemann in the first. The damage felt immediate and overwhelming. Yet to his credit, Schmidt didn't fold. In fact, from the second inning on, he looked like a completely different pitcher. He finished with 5.2 innings, allowing just those three early runs and striking out eight. It was a classic case of 'too little, too late.' His early hiccup left little margin for error, especially with the Yankees' offense stuck in neutral. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Yankees' offense sputters in rare shutout performance The Yankees lineup—one of MLB's most dangerous—never got off the bus. And that's not just a figure of speech. Advertisement This was only their second shutout loss of the season, a reminder that even the league's top offenses hit potholes. They managed just five hits. Luis Ortiz led the Guardians' staff, tossing 5.2 scoreless innings with just three hits allowed. He kept the Yankees guessing all night, mixing speeds and painting corners. Tim Herrin and Hunter Gaddis followed with perfection, each logging hitless appearances before Emmanuel Clase entered for the ninth. Even with two hits surrendered, Clase calmly struck out three to slam the door. The almost had as many double play ground balls (three, two by Anthony Volpe) as hits. Just brutal. The Daniel Schneemann game If Ortiz laid the foundation, Daniel Schneemann stole the show. The versatile Guardians utility man was everywhere—at the plate, on the bases, and in the field. Advertisement He went 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI, and a stolen base. Every time the Yankees looked to regain momentum, Schneemann stepped in like an annoying popup ad you just can't close. With the performance, he lifted his OPS to .801—hardly what you'd expect from a player who began the season flying under the radar. Fernando Cruz returns, shows flashes despite long ball A small silver lining came in the eighth inning when reliever Fernando Cruz returned from injury. He hadn't pitched since May 22 due to shoulder inflammation. Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images The rust showed, as he allowed a solo homer to Kyle Manzardo, adding an exclamation point to the Guardians' dominant night. Advertisement But Cruz also struck out three in the frame, flashing the movement and command that earned Aaron Boone's trust earlier this year. With more outings, he should slot back into a late-inning role quickly. Like a talented band playing off-key for one night, the Yankees just couldn't find rhythm or harmony. And in baseball's long season, those off-nights are inevitable. But Wednesday's 4-0 shutout was a reminder—no matter how loud your lineup looks on paper, the game still rewards the grinders. Popular reading: Yankees game-changing slugger patiently awaiting next steps Related Headlines
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
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Top five players thriving using torpedo bats, including two New York Yankees
Torpedo bats were all the rage earlier this season after the New York Yankees hit 15 home runs in their first three games — tying an MLB record. They differ from traditional bats as the torpedo barrel sits closer to the hitter's hands. Using data from here are the top five players who have boosted their production this season using torpedo bats. Cal Raleigh Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is having an MVP-caliber season, leading the American League with 19 home runs. Raleigh only uses the torpedo bat when hitting left-handed, not from the right side. His barrel rate has jumped 41.5% this season compared to 2024 — rising from 15.4% last year to 21.8% in 2025. Advertisement 'When hitting as a lefty, he has a .930 OPS in 2025 and nearly 8.7% of his at-bats have resulted in home runs,' notes 'Compare that to last season, when only 5.3% of hit at-bats resulted in homers from the left side of the plate even though his average at the dish is identical (.235) in those situations. While that might not seem like a notable number, it represents a 64% increase and has him on pace to hit 48 home runs in 2025.' Daniel Schneemann Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images After struggling with a .218 average during his rookie season, Cleveland Guardians utility player Daniel Schneemann has improved drastically this year using the torpedo bat. He's already surpassed his home run total from last year (seven to five) and currently has an .802 OPS and 126 OPS+. Advertisement 'Schneeman's power surge leads all torpedo bat users, as he's increased his HR/AB by an impressive 136% while improving his slugging percentage by 35.9% and his OPS by 25%,' reports Anthony Volpe Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe contributed to the early home run barrage, hitting four in the first five games of the season. He's only homered twice since then but is already halfway to the 12 he hit last year. 'Volpe actually ranks second with an 87.35% increase in home runs per at bat this year,' states 'While his average is slightly down (.235 compared to .243), Volpe's slugging percentage is up by 16.5% (.424 compared to .364) and his OPS is nearly 100 points higher (.745 compared to .657 in 2024).' Dansby Swanson Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images After posting a below-average 98 OPS+ in 2024, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson has raised his OPS+ to 113 this season and already has 11 home runs after hitting 16 all of last year. Advertisement 'After hitting .242 with 16 home runs in 149 games (534 AB) last year, Swanson has improved his numbers across the board, raising his batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS by significant margins,' writes Paul Goldschmidt Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has discovered the fountain of youth this season using the torpedo bat. After a down year in his final season with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024, the 37-year-old is hitting .347 with an .899 OPS and 155 OPS+. 'Goldschmidt has rekindled his swing at the plate with the torpedo bat, turning himself back into a .300 hitter,' notes Advertisement Related Headlines
