Holden Law | University of Wisconsin-Superior Elliot Danhoff pitches during his time at University of Wisconsin-Superior.

GLADSTONE — Elliot Danhoff’s baseball career started on the diamonds of Gladstone’s Little League program. From there, he played varsity ball with the Braves, was a member of the American Legion Indians Championship team and took his talents to the University of Wisconsin-Superior to play Division 3 NCAA baseball.

This year, Danhoff had the opportunity to continue his baseball career at the professional level with the San Rafael Pacifics — a member of the Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs — as a pitcher.

So far, Danhoff commented, the experience has been well worth it.

“It’s been a great experience,” said Danhoff. “All the guys are great out here. The competition is great. The coaches seem to know what they’re doing, and the guys all have the same mindset to win. So, that’s always fun to be around.”

Since joining the Pacifics, Danhoff has pitched several innings with more in store in the future.

In his first appearance, Danhoff went three and two-thirds innings with no earned runs and even hit a double in his first at-bat.

“I’ve seen some innings out here, so far,” he said. “I’m looking to keep seeing more and more as we get deeper in our season and we advance in the playoffs.

“(The first game) felt awesome. It took me about an inning to settle in, really. But, once I settled in, I felt very in control and felt really good on the mound.”

The double, however, came as somewhat of a surprise for Danhoff. Especially considering he didn’t think he’d have to stand in the batter’s box at all when heading out to California.

“That double,” he chuckled. “I haven’t swung a bat in four years. That was different, too. It was a total shock when I was told, ‘You’re up to bat!'”

The Pacifics’ regular season comes to a close on August 7, with playoffs to follow. With the postseason looming, Danhoff is feeling pretty good about San Rafael’s outlook.

“I think we’re in a good spot,” he said. “Third place is not bad in this division. Plus, if we stay in third place, we somehow get a home-field series, so that’s always nice.

“We’re gelling together, finally. I know in the beginning of the year, a couple of guys said to me that it was really a short-staffed team. But, now it seems like we’ve got all our pitching in order, and everyone’s hitting the ball and everyone’s making plays. I think we’re a very dangerous team heading into playoffs.”

When it comes to his future as a baseball player with the Pacifics, or beyond, Danhoff is keeping things simple.

“I’m open to play for as long as I can,” he said. “If more good opportunities come, I’m going to take them.”

Above all, Danhoff is passionate about the sport of baseball and all the memories, opportunities, and all else that comes with it.

“I do have to say that if you’re a kid looking for what sport to play or stick with, baseball is definitely the one because of all the friends and memories you make will last a lifetime,” he said. “Your coaches will always be more than coaches from what I’ve learned. They could be your mentor, friend and — who knows — maybe you were lucky enough to have your dad coach you in little league like I was and we still laugh about some of the things that happened then.”

For more information or to stream San Rafael Pacifics baseball, you can go to www.pacificsbaseball.com.