Cleveland alum signs with the Blue Jays

RIO RANCHO — A former Cleveland High School pitcher has made it to the highest level.

Cleveland alum Dayne Pengelly signed a free-agent minor league contract with the MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays July 18.

"It feels amazing to see your dreams come true and all the hard work put in and effort all sorts of people have put in around me to help me is starting to pay off. It’s just such an amazing feeling to have the ability to pursue my dreams," Pengelly said.

Pengelly played for the Storm from 2018-21 and was a standout player for head coach Shane Shallenberger.

While at Cleveland, Pengelly was a First Team All-State pitcher, a Second Team All-State first baseman, and a Connie Mack World Series All-Tournament pitcher.

After his time at Cleveland, Pengelly played baseball at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Pima Community College and at the University of New Mexico. In June, he announced his intentions to play his final college season at UTSA. However, those plans changed after receiving an offer from the Blue Jays.

While at UNM, Pengelly received Mountain West Pitcher of the Week honors, and logged a high number of strikeouts. In fact, in 2024, he led UNM in strikeouts with 58.

The 6-foot, 5-inch pitcher is currently at the Blue Jays Draft Camp, where he will learn where he will land in the organization.