Chicago native Daniel Mendez joins the Triton College baseball staff with a deep-rooted passion for baseball and player development. He played collegiate baseball at Oakton College, where he developed as a pitcher under the tutelage of pitching coach Scott Firth. He went on to continue and complete his collegiate career at North Park University, further refining his approach to pitching and competitive preparation.
 
Following his playing career, Mendez transitioned into coaching and served as the pitching coach at Chicago Hope Academy. During his tenure, he played a key role in the program’s success, helping lead the team to its first IHSA Super Sectional for three consecutive seasons. In addition to team success, he has trained and helped develop multiple athletes who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level. His experience as both a college pitcher and high school pitching coach has shaped his passion for developing pitchers and coaching at the college level.