Towering over the compeition, Kelly’s Forck reaches new heights

BENTON, Mo. — Ditch the scouting reports, the radar gun readings and the whispered comparison.

When Kelly High School’s Dalton Forck steps foot on the baseball diamond, there is one thing on full display, unapologetic potential.

The 6-foot-7 lefty who throws in the mid to high 80s recently signed to play college baseball at Three Rivers College, signaling a vote of confidence from an esteemed program that recognized the upside in his lanky frame and fiery fastball.

“It was a very special feeling that just hit me when I stepped onto the field [at Three Rivers],” Forck said. “I knew it was the right place for me. I’m eager to step back onto that field because it shows me that I am a little closer to succeeding at my dream which is playing professionally. I’m excited to see what it’s like pitching to hitters at the collegiate level and being part of the Raiders family.”

Forck will join several familiar faces on the Raiders’ roster, including former teammate and Kelly standout Gavin Jansen, Sikeston’s Noah Pruitt, Charleston’s Dawson Crawford and Portageville’s Trey Benthal, among many others.

“Knowing that some of my good friends were already at Three Rivers helped me make my decision because playing with people that I have played with before makes me feel more comfortable,” Forck said. “They also gave me their opinion and that helped me tremendously by seeing it from a player’s perspective.”

Despite facing difficulties in his underclassmen years, Forck’s junior season displayed a remarkable turnaround, culminating in being named the co-Scott-Mississippi Conference Player of the Year after throwing 48.2 innings with a 2.73 ERA and team-leading 83 strikeouts.

“I didn’t have the best mindset when playing early on,” Forck said. “I had to remember that it was still a game and to not stress over it so much. I realized nobody was perfect and that everyone makes mistakes. I have always known that my biggest advantage in any sport is my size and I’m still learning ways to better my mechanics to make me be taller and have a higher delivery than others.”

Forck was also the Hawks top performer at the plate last season, leading the team in batting average (.408), hits (31), doubles (9), home runs (4), RBIs (30) and runs scored (27).

“He’s definitely good enough to be a two-way player at the next level with the way he swings the bat and the way he throws the ball,” said Kelly baseball coach Josh Hopkins. “He’s a big kid who throws from the left side. He’s got some pop. Those are things you just can’t coach, but he never takes his talent for granted. He’s a hard-working kid and he makes sure he puts himself and his teammates in the best position to win.”

Hopkins didn’t hesitate to call Forck the “quintessential teammate,” citing his unwavering support for his fellow players and his constant dedication to the team’s collective success.

“He gets more excited about his teammates’ success than he does his own,” Hopkins said. “We’re excited to see a high-character kid earn the opportunity to play at the next level because he’s a kid who is working out six or seven times a week. It’s hard to keep him out of the weight room. He loves it and that’s the type of kid you want to have.”

The transition to the more competitive collegiate level, a proving ground for elite athletes, will demand further refinement of Forck’s skills and test his mettle on both the physical and mental plane.

“If I could describe baseball in one word it would be challenging,” he said. “Being a pitcher you have control over the entire defense. That can get rough in tough spots, but I’m excited and ready for any obstacle. ‘If it was easy everyone would do it,’ like [Kelly’s assistant] coach [Trent] Sidwell always tells me.”

Forck’s pursuit of a business degree hints at his aspirations beyond the diamond, envisioning a future where he mentors young athletes and helps cultivate a love for the game that has enriched his life.