By Josh Sadlock

Former Lafayette pitcher Ian Dickson ‘12 recently completed the Arizona Instructional League as a member of the Chicago Cubs minor league system.

“[It was] an awesome experience,” said Dickson. “It finally sunk in that this is a job and a profession. I get to do what I love every day.”

The Chicago Cubs drafted Dickson in the 35th round of the 2011 MLB draft. The 6’5″ right-handed pitcher elected to forgo his senior year at Lafayette to partake in this opportunity.

After spending extensive time recovering from knee and arm injuries suffered while playing for Lafayette, Dickson went into the fall season. He wanted to get back to his pre-injury level of play.

He did that and more.

In four games and just over five innings, the right-hander allowed only one run. He also gained confidence in hischangeup and slider.

“Over my last few outings,” he said, “I really felt I was getting back to where I was. I was throwing all my pitches and felt that I could throw any of them with any count.”

Dickson will rejoin the Cubs in early March and will continue training.

“I am putting all my efforts into baseball,” he said. “I need to work on my arm strength. Throwing everyday was a shock to my system coming back from injury. My left leg is also still not 100 percent.”