Tim Dennehy, a 2005 OPRF graduate signed with the New York Yankees on May 27 after being selected out of Chandler-Gilbert (Ariz.) Community College in the 26th round of the 2006 draft.
“Growing up, the White Sox were my favorite team, but my two favorite teams were the White Sox and the Yankees,” Dennehy said by phone Sunday from Tampa, Fla., where he reported to camp with New York’s rookie team. “If I couldn’t be a part of the White Sox, to be with the Yankees is a dream opportunity.”
Dennehy said the Yankees’ intention all along after picking him in 2006 was to see how he did in his sophomore year.
“What the Yankees stressed all along was consistency,” he said. “That was the one thing I didn’t do my freshman year. I had some good games, but this year I was consistent throughout, and I think that’s what they were looking for.”
Dennehy followed up a freshman season where he went 5-3 with a 3.45 ERA by going 10-2 (1.48 ERA) this year. He threw complete games in seven of 13 starts and allowed no homers in 85 innings.
“The biggest factor was mentally maturing,” Dennehy said. “This year, I knew what to expect. I saw myself as the leader of the pitching staff, as one of the older guys, and I didn’t put as much pressure on myself.”
Dennehy posted career numbers of 15-5, 2.38, with nine complete games in 26 starts. Opponents batted .216 against him and he struck out 135 in 155 1/3 innings pitched.
OPRF head coach Chris Ledbetter said in an e-mail, “The Yankees signed a young man who’s character is unmatched … Tim came to practice a few times last week and the kids see what effort he puts in to be as good as he is. The whole program is excited for Tim and wishing him well.”
Dennehy said he will play for either the rookie team in the Gulf Coast League in Florida or join short-season Single A Staten Island of the New York-Penn League. Both teams start play June 19.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Dennehy said his fastball currently tops out at 90-91 mph but that he should be able to add velocity, and improve his pitching generally, now that he’s joined the Yankees.
“With more coaching-and the Yankees have such great coaches, the top of the line, best of the best-I think I have it in me,” he said.