COLLEGE BASEBALL: WAVERLY'S DADDONA SIGNS LETTER-OF-INTENT TO PLAY FOR JUCO POWERHOUSE SUNY NIAGARA (6 PHOTOS) (January 29, 2026)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
WAVERLY — Waverly senior Porter Daddona has aspirations to play professional baseball, and is hoping that signing his national letter-of-intent to play collegiately at JUCO power SUNY Niagara is the first step in reaching his goal.

Daddona chose SUNY Niagara, a junior college powerhouse that posted a 51-2 record last year, in hopes of using its program as a stepping stone.

"They really develop their players and move them on to the next level, so that's really what I'm looking forward to," he said.

"The ultimate goal is to play two years there and move on to a Division I school," added Daddona.

The 6-4 lefty throws in the mid-80 and is looking to improve his velocity.

"The coach says lefties are a rare commodity, and if I can get my velocity up to 91 or 92, I could pretty much go wherever I want," he said.

"I will have to do a lot of weight-lifting for sure, and I have to fix some mechanics for sure," added Daddona.

Waverly pitching coach Patric Bronson, who pitched collegiately at SUNY Cortland said Daddona has two things working in his favor as he heads to the next level.

"His work ethic is going to make him successful at the next level. He's driven, and I think he realizes he has a ton of potential and room for growth.

"If he holds on to that, and uses it for motivation, he'll be extremely successful at the next level," said Bronson.

"And, being a lefty is a big advantage," added Bronson. "I don't think I've seen a ball run like his in a long time, so that sets him up for success as well."

Daddona said the mental part of the transition to the next level will the biggest adjustment.

"I think I need to mentally prepare for it," he said.

"It's junior college, so everybody is trying to make their way out to a Division I or II school.

"I need to mentally and physically prepare for it," Daddona added.

Waverly baseball coach Kyle McDuffee believes Daddona needs to get a little stronger as he heads to the next level.

"I think he needs to work on his stamina. 

"When he starts the game, we want him to complete it," said McDuffee. "That's one of his goals this year."

McDuffee believes Daddona's "stuff" will translate at the higher  levels.

"When he's out there pounding the strike zone, his ball moves so much that if he's anywhere near the strike zone, they're not going to touch him," he said. "And, he's a bulldog on the mound."

McDuffee has little doubt Daddona will be successful at the next level.

"He's headed to a two-year school, but I have a feeling he'll end up transferring to a four-year school and actually make a huge impact at both levels."

Daddona is hoping to ride his arm to a professional payday.

"The ultimate goal is to play professionally somewhere," he said.

"I've been told a lot of time it's a lofty goal, but I believe I can do it," added Daddona.

Before the Waverly senior begins his trek toward a professional career, he has lofty goals for his senior season this spring.

"My goal is to help the team make a state run," he said. "There are no baseball state championships in Waverly history.

"I think we can do it," he noted. "We have the staff to do it. 

"I think it we can put one or two runs on the board, we have a good chance to win," Daddona added.

Daddona will major in sports management at SUNY Niagara, with an eye on sports medicine once he transfer to a four-year school.

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IN PHOTO 1: Waverly senior Porter Daddona. IN TOP PHOTO: Waverly senior Porter Daddona is flanked by his parents Steve Daddona and Tina Daddona. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.

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