2/20/25 : Spotlight : OF Dante Nori

Outfielder Dante Nori was the Phillies 1st round draft selection in the 2024 draft from Northville High School in Northville, Michigan. Northville made history in 2024 by winning the school’s first state championship (Division One) over the top ranked Brother Rice High School with a 2-1 victory in the championship game. The team posted an overall record of 32-7. It was a heartfelt championship title as the team was a close knit group of players. In fact, sixteen of them had played baseball together since their days in little league. Dante was a team standout and earned the 2024 Mr. Baseball award given by the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association.

He had committed to play collegiately for Mississippi State University but instead signed with the Phillies. Dante then reported to Clearwater for initial workouts which is where I first met him and his dad Micah Nori who’s been a longtime assistant coach in the NBA and is currently the lead assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was immediately evident that the two of them are genuine and kind people but also that they share a passion for sports and competition.

On August 9th in a “Bridge League” training game at Carpenter Complex against the Tigers Nori hit his first home run in a Phillies uniform as the Phillies player development center (PDC) team defeated the Tigers PDC squad by an 8-4 count. Dante had a day going three for four with two singles, a home run, three RBIs and a walk. Shortly thereafter he was officially activated as a member of the low A level Clearwater Threshers roster where he would finish the year by appearing in 14 regular season games  posting a .424 OBP in 66 plate appearances with 12 hits and 16 walks. In his initial games he’s shown great plate discipline and strong bat to ball skills along with quick hands. He also possesses great speed and strong defensive skills as a center fielder, is very good at tracking balls down. He played in two playoff games with the Threshers as well and had a .375 OBP in eight plate appearances.

Dante participated in both of the recent Fall and Winter High Performance Camps at the Complex and is now in mini-camp. From my observations he’s very interactive with his coaches, is a sponge for knowledge and is willing to try different approaches and techniques. He already came to the Phillies with a quick stroke but since he’s been with the club he has added even more quickness with an enhanced ability to drive the ball beyond the fences. Is fun to watch.

I recently had a chance to ask Dante a few questions - here’s our interaction.

In your senior season of high school you were a key part of Northville’s first ever state championship - what was that experience like?

“It was truly an amazing experience. Have known the guys that I was playing with since we were about 6-7 years old. To finally get it done after being shut down the past two years was incredible. Especially after losing your coaching staff the year prior and the run we had to win.”

Were you aware that the Phillies were interested in selecting you in the draft and what was your reaction when you found out you had been chosen?

“I was aware going into the draft that the Phillies had interest in me. Getting that call on draft night was truly a dream come true. Knowing that all of the early morning lifts, late night hitting sessions and all the extra work that I had put in had paid off. Also to be selected by the Phillies was the best case scenario.”

Baseball is a game of adjustments - particularly at the pro level - how has the competition differed than what you’ve faced before and what adjustments have you made if any?

“The competition is very different. Everybody throws harder and has an off speed pitch that they can throw for strikes. I have made adjustments to do more damage at the plate and aim for more power.”

I’ve watched multiple practices - it seems as if you have already developed a strong relationship with your teammates and coaches. What has the experience been like thus far in regard to team camaraderie and communication?

“The experience has been great. We all bonded very quickly due to the fact that we are all here for the same reason. Being around each other everyday helps also. A lot of us share the same interests outside of baseball as well and do things with each other when on our own time.”

When you were in Philly for the draft press conference did ya have a chance to get a Philly Cheesesteak or Soft Pretzel - if so what are your thoughts of each?

“Did not have a Philly Cheesesteak, but did get a chance to have a soft pretzel. Can say for a fact that those are top tier.”

You just completed your second High Performance Camp - what did you find most beneficial from those camps and how have they helped you as you are now in mini-camp with your first spring training fast approaching?

“I found the strength training most beneficial as well as building better relationships with the people here. They have also helped with my development as a player. Learning more and more as well as getting better each day.”

I thank Dante for answering my inquiries. We wish him well this season and in years to come, championship background, coachable, great skills to develop and a winning attitude - I think that’s a formula for success - just sayin.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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