By Andres Rivas
Going into the 2017 season there was a clear-cut favorite, West Islip, that looked to runaway with the League IV title once again. What we didn’t know is there was an infield in Bellport full of seniors like Adam Colon, Joseph Greco, Matthew Mulligan and Michael Sangiamo.
There’s an additional name to the success that the Clippers had this past 2017 season where they were league champions, this was junior -now senior- Ryan Baumann. A 6’2 230 lb. player sounds like a football linebacker, but he was a key part in the lineup and on the mound for the first banner that the Clippers raised in 51 years.
In his third year of Varsity baseball, he posted a 3-0 record, compiling 34 innings and allowing eight ER (1.65 ERA) and 37 strikeouts. At the plate, he had a slash of .485/.530/.582 with 19 runs, 15 RBI, 29 singles, 3 doubles & 35 total bases. He drew 13 walks and in the outfield, he had 18 putouts and 7 assists.
Following his terrific season, he announced his verbal commitment to Div-II powerhouse Southern New Hampshire, who went 43-11 this past year and 50-7 the previous season.
He spoke with Andres Rivas and here’s what he had to say…
How did it feel to get a key win last season against a team like West Islip at their field?
It was a great feeling and a great team win against a good team in West Islip, I just pounded the zone and kept my team in the game and we came through in the field and with the bats.
You guys were co-League Champions for the first time in 51 years, what are the keys to repeating that title this year?
We have all the talent and all the pieces we need, we must play smart and get the runs in when we have chances to score.
What does Bellport need for a deep playoff run?
Last season we hung around with good teams even in the playoffs, we need to clean up the mistakes, eliminate errors and come through with the big hit when we need it.
Who are some of the people that have had an influence on your life?
The most important influences on my life have been my parents. My dad had always stressed having a good work ethic and working hard to reach your goals. Also, my mom who this past baseball season battled breast cancer and rounds of chemotherapy. She is the strongest person I know and her beating breast cancer inspired me to work harder than I ever must make her proud and forget what she was going through. All along the way I’ve also been blessed enough to have had the opportunity to play for some great coaches.
Have you ever considered committing to college for another sport?
Yes, I went back and forth all through high school thinking about what sport I’d play in college between baseball and football. It’s one of the hardest decisions to make when you’ve worked so hard for a certain sport since you were little and then to have it end. But I’m happy and excited to follow my dream and play college baseball.
Favorite player growing up and Favorite player to look up to right now?
Growing up I used to love watching Mets catcher Mike Piazza play. I always looked up to the way he played the game and his attitude on the field. A player I look up to today is Bryce Harper because of how he plays the game and how hard he works.
How excited are you to soon be a part of Southern New Hampshire’s Baseball program?
I am very excited to be a part of Southern New Hampshire’s program. Coach Loiseau is a great coach as well as the others on his staff. They’ve been a very successful program and I’m looking forward to playing on a great team and hopefully win a championship while I am there.
