Binghamton University Athletics

A native of Congers, NY, Dan Tauken played baseball at Binghamton from 1982-85. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics in 1985.

Arguably the best all-around player in the program’s history, Tauken pitched and played first base for the Colonials. It was his ability on the mound, however, that caught the attention of the Chicago White Sox, who inked Tauken to a free agent contract following graduation. He spent three seasons in the White Sox organization, working his way up to a spot on their Double-A roster, and at the time was just the third Colonial to have signed a professional baseball contract. A three-time first-team All-SUNYAC selection, Tauken’s rare combination of power at the plate and on the mound at the collegiate level has his name splashed all over the BU record books. Upon graduation, Tauken ranked in the top-10 of eight different single-season and career offensive categories, including a school record for career home runs (19) and home runs in a season (7).

The hard-throwing right-hander also appeared in the top-10 of seven single-season and career pitching categories, twice earning accolades for strikeouts in a season. As a senior in 1985, Tauken - a two-time MVP, led the Colonials to their only SUNYAC East Division title in program history.