When you sit down with someone like Ian Daugherty, it doesn’t take long to realize you’re talking to a young man with deep roots, sharp focus, and a love for the game that’s been part of him since childhood.
On a recent episode of our web show, we had the chance to sit across from the Kingfisher native and former Oklahoma State catcher for an in-depth conversation that felt more like swapping stories with an old friend. Daugherty, humble and grounded despite his rising profile, shared memories from the backyard to the big stage, walking us through what it’s taken to play baseball at such a high level.
“I was about eight years old when I told my mom I wanted to play baseball as long as I could,” he said. “She reminded me of that recently, I didn’t even remember saying it.” That spark turned into countless hours hitting with his dad, time spent on travel teams, and eventually a commitment to Oklahoma State before his sophomore year of high school.
The interview revealed not just Ian’s journey through high school sports and OSU, but also his mindset. He spoke candidly about the sacrifices, the daily grind, and the unwavering support from his family, especially his grandfather, who even surprised him with World Series tickets in 2013.
Catching, as Ian put it, wasn’t always the plan. “I thought I’d be a shortstop or pitcher,” he laughed. “But my travel ball coach said, ‘You’re gonna be a catcher,’ and he was right. It became my ticket.”
Beyond baseball, Ian opened up about his off-the-field interests, including a degree in finance, his love for fishing and golf, and the value of stepping away from the game to recharge. “It’s healthy,” he said. “Even the most committed athletes need that balance.”
The episode ended with talk of what might come next, and since filming, that “next” has become official. Ian Daugherty is heading to the pros, signing a free agent deal with the Minnesota Twins. It’s a fitting update to a conversation already full of heart, hustle, and hometown pride.
Catch the full interview on AllAboutKingfisher.com and follow Ian’s journey, because something tells us this is just the beginning.
