DAILY DIRT: Can you say Shohei Ohtani? Can you say Jactani? Can you say Jac Caglianone?

Florida slugger-pitcher attracting all sorts of MLB attention, and he’s likely to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming MLB draft … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 927 of The Daily Dirt.

1. This information may have fallen through the proverbial cracks for many.

How many are familiar with the guy they are calling “Jactani?”

There’s a two-way standout at Florida named Jac Caglianone who has set the college baseball world on fire this month. Except for local outposts, college baseball is played in relative anonymity until late in the season. And in cases like this that’s too bad.

A few days ago, the left-handed hitting Caglianone, a junior, tied an NCAA record when he homered in his ninth straight game. Projected as the No. 1 pick in the July 14-16 MLB draft, Caglianone has 23 home runs in 38 games for the Gators (20-19). He is also batting .401 and is the team’s ace pitcher with a 5-0 record and 3.89 ERA.

Caglianone, who plays first base when not pitching, socked 33 home runs a year ago.

Can you say Shohei Ohtani? Can you say … Jactani?

And like Shohei Ohtani, Caglianone has undergone a Tommy John procedure on his throwing elbow.

“Any comparison to Shohei Ohtani is pretty dang cool,” Caglianone said. “What he’s doing is changing the way of how MLB is looking at two-way guys.”

And that includes Jac Caglianone.

For those wondering, the MLB record for homers in consecutive games is eight by Dale Long (1956), Don Mattingly (1987) and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. (1992).

2. Cody Tucker, who hosts a popular podcast centered around pop culture, reports on the background of the following songs:

• Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like A Lady” was written about Vince Neil of Motley Crue.
• Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” was penned in honor Warren Beatty.
• Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” was written about Rosanna Arquette.
• Rick James’ “Cold Blooded” was written about Linda Blair.

3. Attention those who live in Nauvoo and Quincy!

The eight most overlooked towns in Illinois, according to worldatlas.com, are:

• 1. Galena: Filled with fascinating historical stories and unique architectural designs, Galnea is called “an authentic portrait of American History”. It was also home to several Union generals during the Civil War.
• 2. Crystal Lake: The town looks and feels exactly how it sounds: like a quaint summer town with glistening clear waters that invite you to wind down and relax.
• 3. Lebanon: Located just 23 miles east of St. Louis, Lebanon is a balanced mix of antique stores, unique restaurants, and traditional scenic views. St. Louis street, also known as “The Brick Street,” winds through all three as visitors can peruse local businesses and take pictures of the historic old town.
• 4. Princeton: Welcome to the town where arts and entertainment are celebrated year round, including the well-known “Festival 56” each summer that offers plays from Shakespeare’s time to modern Broadway musical hits.
• 5. Geneva: Make sure to also visit the French Market on Sundays from April until November. There’s also a five-story Dutch windmill.
• 6. Fulton: Dutch themes are strong here, including wooden shoe dancing, parades, and Dutch treats.
• 7. Nauvoo: Along with the strong accent on Mormon history, Nauvoo architecture also offers a link to life in the 1840s and an active downtown area.
• 8. Quincy: The city’s architecture — including the Moroccan-inspired Villa Kathrine — serves as a strong tourist attraction. So does the area along or near much of Quincy’s waterfront regions that border the Mississippi River.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — At their current pace, the dreadful Chicago White Sox will win 23 games. The worst all-time MLB record belongs to the Cleveland Spiders (20-134) in 1899.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. See Cards fans? It could be worse…