Perseverance propels DeLappe to the Palouse

Lifelong WSU fan will get to play baseball for his dream school.

By Shaun Scott • August 2, 2018 2:31 pm
Bellevue Bulldogs infielder Grant DeLappe will continue his baseball career at Washington State University. DeLappe committed to the Cougars in October of 2017. Photo courtesy of Rich Dworkis
Bellevue Bulldogs infielder Grant DeLappe will continue his baseball career at Washington State University. DeLappe committed to the Cougars in October of 2017. Photo courtesy of Rich Dworkis

The rolling hills of the Palouse was always a welcoming sight during Grant DeLappe’s childhood.

DeLappe, who went 37-for-120 at the plate (.308 batting average) with 18 RBIs during the 2018 season with the Bellevue Bulldogs college baseball program, always dreamt that one day he would play baseball for the Washington State Cougars baseball team.

That dream will become a reality during the 2018-19 school year.

DeLappe committed to the WSU baseball program in October of 2017 and just finished up a two-year stint with the Bulldogs. DeLappe’s familial ties to WSU run deep. His parents are WSU graduates and his sister recently graduated from the university as well. The 2015 Tahoma High School graduate, who plays shortstop, third base and second base, said he had a goal of attending a Division-1 school after graduating from high school.

That intial plan didn’t work out one iota.

“I hit a reality check after my senior year. I was overlooked by most colleges,” DeLappe admitted.

The lack of attention didn’t deter DeLappe, it fueled him. Bellevue College head coach Mark Yoshino persuaded him to join the Bulldogs and the rest is history.

“Growing up I was taught the whole never quit until you get what you want mentality. That was nailed into me. That is one of my best attributes not only as a person but as an athlete. It has stuck with me and has helped me tremendously to get to the level (WSU) where I am going,” DeLappe explained. “When I got to the (Bellevue) JC with Yosh (Yoshino) my vision became better. Once I put the work and hours in, I was really able to see what I was capable of.”

DeLappe said he wouldn’t be in the position he is today without Yoshino and longtime Tahoma High School head coach Russ Hayden.

“Those two coaches have done a tremendous for me during my baseball career. I can’t thank them enough for what those coaches did for me. They played a huge role in my success,” he said.

DeLappe will move to Pullman on Aug. 11.

“I grew up a Cougar fan when I was a kid. When I was in Pullman, I would always visit the baseball field and dreamed of being part of that team,” DeLappe said.

DeLappe’s dream has been realized.