Dalton Thomas made an immediate impact during his lone season with the Roadrunners in 2022, proudly wearing #7. Originally from Wenatchee, Washington, Thomas appeared in 26 of 32 games that season, earning a reputation as a clutch performer and reliable presence both at the plate and in the dugout. He went on to continue his collegiate career at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.
During the 2022 campaign, Thomas posted an impressive .320 batting average with a .428 on-base percentage. He recorded 17 RBIs, three doubles, a triple, and logged 11 multi-hit games, including four 3-hit performances. His steady play throughout the season was instrumental to the team’s success, but he delivered one of his most memorable performances in the postseason.
In the opening round playoff series against Long Beach City College, Thomas shined under pressure. Batting from the ninth spot in the lineup, he went 3-for-5 in the elimination game and sealed the Roadrunners’ series win by drawing a bases-loaded walk in the 10th inning, an unforgettable moment that propelled the team onto the Super Regional.
The 2022 Roadrunners finished with a 28-17 overall record and were crowned champions of the Inland Empire Athletic Conference with an 18-6 mark. That season marked the program’s seventh conference title and their first since 1971, a historic achievement that included several milestones. For the first time in program history, Desert hosted a playoff series on campus and advanced to the 3C2A SoCal Super Regional.
Now back at College of the Desert as an assistant coach, Coach Thomas brings firsthand postseason experience, a competitive mindset, and a deep love for the game to the next generation of Roadrunners.
