Playing on the east end of Long Island could present some inherent challenges for athletes as they fight to get the recognition they deserve over players more centrally located on the island. Aside from the geographic challenge to get college coaches at schools, there is always the question of the quality of the opponent so it can be tough to look at statistics and see what’s real.
A big way to overcome that is through sheer hard work. Eventually, the cream rises to the top and when you get recognized or invited to major events – it legitimizes the hype. So when East Hampton RHP Colin Ruddy was invited to the Area Code Underclass Tournament this summer, it certainly made some waves.
Ruddy committed to George Washington University this week, proving that Division-I athletes are not limited to certain geographical locations. While many people know this and it was clear when Kyle McGowin made the big leagues, it does seem that the perception still exists that baseball is inferior in certain area.
He spoke with me and here’s what he had to say…
Can you explain your experience with the college recruiting process and why you chose George Washington?
Overall, I felt my recruiting process went really well. During my freshman and sophomore winters I was able to go to a few college camps which sparked some interest. Coach Pembroke got me talking to a bunch of schools as well. My pitching coach, Bobby DeMichael, initially got me in contact with the GW coaches last January and I was able to grow a relationship with them. I chose GW because of a few different reasons. I really like the culture they have there and the coaches are awesome. It’s also a great education, it’s located right in the middle of Washington, D.C., and they have great baseball. There really isn’t anything to not love about GW.
How would you say the D1 dead period affected you, how did you adapt to it and what did your organization do to help?
The D1 dead period just made me more hungry to earn an opportunity to play Division-I baseball. I adapted pretty well due to the help I had from coaches such as Ryan Pembroke. No one does a better job than him with getting your video in front of the eyes of college coaches. He got me in contact with a bunch of schools by sending them video and blasting it on social media.
Who are some people that have had an impact on your career?
Definitely all of my family. Due to being so far out east, most travel practices and lessons are over an hour away. My parents and even my brother were really supportive of that and would always make sacrifices in order to drive me to practice or a game. My whole family has been supportive throughout the college process.
My high school coaches, Coach Alversa, Coach Meyer and Coach Rodriguez, have also had a huge impact on my career. Ever since 7th grade, they’ve given me tons of opportunities to get better. They continuously make sacrifices to make our East Hampton program better and that is definitely the reason why we are on the rise.
Finally, Coach Pembroke and the entire Lumberjack family have also had a huge impact on my career. Playing with these guys has made me a lot better as a player and as a person. I’m really fortunate to be able to know guys like Coach Ryan Pemboke, Coach Dan Pembroke, Coach Elliot, Coach Strovink and Coach Reichenbach.
Do you work with any private instructors?
Yes, I work with Bobby DeMichael, who is my pitching coach. I also work with Mike Megale, who has been one of my instructors since I was 9. I train at Allegiance Personal Training in East Hampton with a trainer named Brook Hartnett. Over this past year he has helped me get a lot stronger and in shape for the season. All three of these guys have also had a huge impact on my career and I’m super thankful for them.
What are you looking to study in college?
I’m looking to study exercise science and hopefully go into physical therapy when I’m older.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball and why?
My favorite player in the MLB is probably Gerrit Cole. I like him because he is a Yankee but also because he’s straight filth on the mound. He is also pretty humble which I really like.
Who are some teammates of yours that performed well in 2020 that you feel like deserve attention for their play?
This summer, I played with some of the top guys in the country such as Roman Kimball and TJ Wachter. Both of them obviously deserve attention for their play but four other guys that I really thought performed well this year were Jack Quinlan, Ty Acker, Tucker Genovesi and Matt Carrera. Quinlan is an absolute animal behind the plate and I knew the other guys were making every play behind me when I was pitching…all of them rake too.
Best baseball experience you’d had?
Definitely the Underclass Area Code Games. I was fortunate to be able to play alongside the best players in the region as well as play against the best players in the country. The talent at that event was insane and I’m sure a few of the guys I played with will be in the MLB someday.
Do you feel there are inherent obstacles with playing on the east end of Long Island?
I don’t really feel like there are that many obstacles with playing so far out east. To accomplish your dreams, you have to work really hard no matter what or where you come from. In my eyes, there’s no excuse not to be great with whatever you do so I don’t feel like any geographic location implies any disadvantages. However, I do feel that it is easy to overlook the talent out east just because we seem to be so far away from the middle of the island, which is primarily where most Long Island talent comes from.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app is definitely Snapchat.
Favorite type of food?
Filet Mignon
Favorite vacation spot?
The Bahamas
