All Dallas Hays sought was a chance.

The Butler Iron Bucks gave it to him — and are happy with what they've received so far.

Hays, a 2017 Butler graduate, decided to walk on the football team at Slippery Rock University. He had played a number of positions on the gridiron for the Golden Tornado, including quarterback.

The Rock was looking at him as a potential safety or linebacker.

“I tore my ACL during workouts that winter,” Hays recalled. “I put off surgery so I could go to my sister's wedding that summer. That set me back a bit.”

When he did have the surgery and healed up, Hays decided to give up football.

And return to baseball.

He had not played baseball in two years. Hays was a standout outfielder and a three-year starter at Butler, hitting .350, .365 and .400.

“All I wanted was an opportunity to play this summer to show what I can do,” Hays said. “I texted a number of (summer collegiate) coaches and got no responses.

“I heard back from the Iron Bucks. They were opening their season on a Saturday and I was added to their roster that Wednesday.”

Hays was able to join the Tri-State Collegiate League team despite not being an active college player. In fact, he has never played college baseball.

“(Team organizer) Shawn Manning knew about Dallas and recommended him to us,” Iron Bucks manager Matt Morrone said. “He is such an athlete. He can play a variety of positions and can do it all on a baseball field.

“We're all about developing talent. That's why we're here. We welcomed him on to the team.”

Hays had three singles in as many at bats Monday night in the Iron Bucks' 4-1 loss to the Butler BlueSox. Hays has five hits in nine at bats with the team thus far, along with drawing a couple of walks.

He's played shortstop, third base and the outfield so far.

Hays will be a junior at SRU this fall, majoring in business. He plans to walk on and try to make The Rock's baseball roster.

“Center field is probably my best position, but I'll play anywhere,” he said. “It's important to me to take a shot at playing college baseball.

“If Slippery Rock wants me, that's great. If another college team is willing to give me a chance, I'll transfer there. It means that much to me.

“I've missed the game. I've missed being around the players, being part of a team,” Hays added.

When Morrone accepted Hays on to the roster, he was unsure how much he would play.

He's become a fixture.

“The guy has earned the time,” Morrone said. “He's in our regular lineup. He's been one of our most consistent, certainly one of our most versatile players.

“If Dallas keeps doing what he's doing, I can't imagine him not having a spot on SRU's roster in the fall.

Two of Hays' three singles Monday night came against Andy McClymonds, The Rock's best pitcher this past spring.

“Everything's working out so far,” Hays said of his return to baseball. “And I'm having a blast.”