Michigan State redshirt junior pitcher
Dominic Pianto was left with a tough, life-changing decision, only two years into his college baseball career. He started college at Furman University, located in Greenville, South Carolina, enjoying the small atmosphere and its baseball team.
Then, in May 2020, Furman decided to eliminate baseball, and Pianto needed to choose staying at Furman without the team - or moving to another university and program. Pianto was devastated that he could no longer play baseball at Furman.
"At first my initial reaction was definitely disappointed and saddened by all my friends that I wasn't going to be with anymore," said Pianto.
Candice Pianto, Dominic's mother, said that the news was shocking, but was a blessing in disguise.
"He loved his teammates and the coaches, but Furman itself was less than the ideal college experience," said Candice.
Although Pianto's time at Furman was short, he gained valuable experiences.
"Furman is a much smaller school than MSU, only about 2,700 students in total. It was the culture of the baseball program that was the highlight of my entire time there," said Pianto. "It wasn't the kind of school you go to party; it was a school that you go to for the academics or the feel of a small environment."
What made the situation even worse was it happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning he needed to figure out his college baseball future while the world was reeling. Pianto said this made his transfer process more difficult.
"This caused a lot of stress of trying to get recruited again within a three-month window," said Pianto.
Little did Pianto know that his transfer process would lead him to an all too familiar place. Pianto was born in East Lansing, which he said made the decision to transfer to MSU that much easier.
"It was like a full circle moment for me, I had always talked to my family about wanting to come back to the state of Michigan," said Pianto.
Candice also talked about Dominic's return to East Lansing to attend MSU and continue playing baseball.
"We as a family still have many good friends we keep in contact with. Attending MSU allowed us all to rekindle those connections," said Candice.
Pianto found out this would not be the only full circle moment during his time at MSU. At the beginning of this season, MSU baseball traveled to Greenville, South Carolina for a four-game set.
Pianto said that going back to Greenville, and playing in front of grandparents, is an experience he won't forget.
"I was done pitching and I looked back into the stands, and I literally saw them, and I was completely caught off guard," said Pianto. "I had zero idea that they were going to be there and that was a pretty awesome experience since I don't get to see them all the time."
The right-handed relief pitcher had to deal with a setback during the 2021 season when he had to get Tommy John surgery on his right elbow which forced him to redshirt and miss the entire season. Pianto has improved with his appearances increasing. Over the last two seasons, Pianto's earned run average over the last two seasons has decreased from 7.71 in 2022 to 5.92 in 2023 since his return to the mound in 2022.
Pianto said that the hardest part for him during the recovery process was the mental aspect.
"The challenge of coming back from the injury has been something that has taken a little bit of a toll on the mental side," said Pianto.
Pianto said the support system that he has built during his college years helped him come back from the injury.
"The mental fortitude that it has created for me, the support system especially my teammates really helped me get through it," said Pianto. "This team is such an amazing group of guys...it has provided me with the best friends that I think I will have for the rest of my life."
Pianto has achieved accolades such as Academic All-Big Ten three times and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honoree during his time at MSU, and is primed for more academic recognition at the end of this season.
In addition to pitching and academic success, Pianto is also one of the veteran leaders on the Spartan team, stepping up and helping guide the pitchers during the over a month span that MSU pitching coach
Mark Van Ameyde was away with a kidney transplant. Pianto was in constant contact with Coach Van Ameyde, keeping him updated on the status of the pitchers, as well as providing encouragement to his coach.
Pianto and the Spartans are currently in Minneapolis for a weekend series at Minnesota, taking on the Gophers in game two of the series on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT, before wrapping up with the series finale on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT.
MSU then returns home for its final four games of the 2024 regular-season, opening with a non-conference match-up with Eastern Michigan on Tuesday, May 14 in a 6:05 p.m. first pitch at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field.
The Spartans then host Nebraska in a three-game B1G weekend series, Thursday-Saturday, May 16-18 to wrap up the regular-season. Thursday and Friday's game are 6:05 p.m. start times, while Saturday's is slated for a 1:05 p.m. first pitch. Saturday is also MSU's Senior Day as the Spartans will honor their senior players and managers in a pre-game ceremony, so fans are encouraged to arrive early to join in the celebration.
Fans can follow MSU baseball action with "Tickets," "Watch Live," "Listen Live" and "Live Stats" links at MSUSpartans.com.
Michigan State's schedule is subject to change, stay tuned to MSUSpartans.com and @MSUBaseball on Twitter for schedule updates.
