Sophomore Ryan Ross has been a key contributor to the York baseball team.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
York sophomore Ryan Ross’ ascension to the varsity baseball team has been a swift one.
As a freshman last year, Ross started on the freshman A team and then moved to the sophomore team before landing on the varsity squad toward the tail end of the 2016 season.
A year later, Ross is firmly entrenched on the York baseball team and is one of a cast of many that has helped the Dukes win 18 games this season.
“It’s been pretty fun being with the older guys. It’s a good experience and a good time,” he said. “They teach me a lot and it’s a lot of stuff I wouldn’t have seen. I’m getting taught new lessons and experiences that will help me down the road. The transition to the varsity has been great. The guys are great to be around. We have great chemistry.”
Through late last week, Ross was hitting .311 with a .393 on-base percentage. He had 23 hits in 74 at-bats to go with six doubles, 12 RBI, 17 runs scored and seven stolen bases.
“I’m probably being more aggressive at the plate,” he said. “Last year I wasn’t too passive, but I was looking at too many pitches. I fell behind in counts. This year I’m attacking fastballs early and being more aggressive overall.”
That aggressiveness also has transferred to his shortstop position. “I’m attacking the ball better,” Ross said. “I’m going to get the ball more and not waiting for it. That makes it easier on the back half with making a good throw. We also have good communication on the field and that’s been another key to being successful.”
As he alluded to earlier, Ross is a big fan of the team’s chemistry. “Our coach (Dave Kalal) says we’re a bunch of dudes,” he said. “That’s what we are. It’s very fun on this team. I’m happy that we all get along so well. It’s fun to be around my teammates. It’s a good, competitive atmosphere.”
Ross, who plays for the Downers Grove Longshots travel team in the off-season, said he’s been playing the sport since the first grade. “I like the strategy of the game with trying to get guys around all the bases,” he said. “I like hitting baseballs and fielding groundballs. I like everything about the game, but it’s the strategic mindset of the game that attracted me.”
Ross said the Dukes are looking forward to the upcoming IHSA postseason.
“I’d say we have a very good team,” he said. “We need to keep our focus and focus on the task at hand. We have good guys who are hard-working and want to get better and want to help the team win. I think we definitely can do some damage.”
