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Q&A with Santa Clara Commit: Ryan McCarthy

November 20, 2014

By Jeff Markle
Assistant State Directors

 

PBR Colorado is continuing it's look at committed players, last week saw a very impressive group of 2015 players sign Letters of Intent to play baseball at the next level.  As the week came to an end, we had a chance to catch up with the No. 29 PBR Colorado ranked player in 2015 and Santa Clara University commit, Ryan McCarthy. 6-foot-2, 195-pound first basemen for Air Academy High School is a presence at the plate.  McCarthy finished last year hitting .500, collecting 30 hits and drove in 15.  Air Academy who underwent a coaching change for this year will look to McCarthy to lead the Cadets at the plate and compete in the 5A Colorado Springs league.    

PBR: Why did you choose Santa Clara?ryan

McCarthy:  I really felt like everything about the university fit me well. This included the strong academics, the competitiveness of the program, and the philosophy of the coaching staff. It was the overall package I was looking for in a school.

PBR: Where did Santa Clara first see you compete?

McCarthy:  The coaching staff first saw me play in a tournament in Southern California this fall. They also saw me play in the Senior Fall Classic in Peoria, AZ and at their camp.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play during your first year on campus?

McCarthy:  I have not been given a specific role to fill my first year on campus, but I intend to work hard and compete for a spot, which allows me to contribute to the team.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help Santa Clara?

McCarthy:  The biggest strength I bring to the table as a player is power. I have been told by the coaching staff that I bring something to the program that they are searching for.

PBR:  What advice would you give about the recruiting process?

McCarthy:  I would recommend finding the right fit for you. The biggest advice that helped me was to take advantage of every opportunity you have to make yourself a better player.

PBR:  What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

McCarthy:  I don't have a single most memorable moment, but I have really enjoyed all of the friends I have made while playing this sport and being able to watch all of them become successful both in baseball and life.

PBR:  What would you say are your best assets both on and off the field that will help your team this year?

McCarthy:  I believe my best way to help my team on and off the field is being a leader. I strongly believe that if I set a good example that the other players in the program will follow it.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

McCarthy:  The biggest influence I have had in my baseball career is from Dave Singleton. He was one of my first competitive coaches and he taught me how to play the game the right way: with passion and competitiveness. He has played a big part in developing me into the person I am today.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience?

McCarthy:  I played for Slammers Zavaras during the past summer and will play for Slammers again in the following summer. My most exciting experience was traveling to Arizona and having a good time as a team and competing well on the field.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher/hitter you have faced in Colorado?

McCarthy:  The toughest pitcher I have faced in Colorado is Jake Eissler.

PBR: What are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

McCarthy:  Since we have a new coach, our main goal is to reach excellence both as a team and individually. I plan on doing everything I can to help our team reach this goal of excellence and help our new coach have a good first season.

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