This is the third installment of the popular series “Up Next Powered by the Yard Sports” where he highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. The first two feature stories highlighted Centereach OF Logan Norman and Garden City LHP Gabe Beschloss. Please check out the Yard Sports by clicking here.
For many years, it would’ve been unheard of for a freshman to be a starter on varsity for Connetquot. Not that none of them were capable, but the talent pool is so incredibly strong, it simply made more sense to allow even the most advanced players to get their feet wet playing JV every day, dominate that level, before moving up to varsity the next year.
Sometimes players like Ryan Kiendle come around, and force a coach’s hand.
Final: Connetquot 8, Northport 0
WP: Ryan Waring (5 IP, 1 H, 0 R)Beisel and Appell drove in 2 runs
Kiendle hit a HR pic.twitter.com/dbiiJtOfSs— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 17, 2021
Kiendle, a 6’2 power-hitting first baseman, not only was called up to varsity and started at 1st base, but he was often in the middle-of-the-order. Here were his numbers
- .302 AVG
- 5 doubles
- 1 HR
- 17 RBI
- 12 runs scored
- 11 walks
- 5 innings, 1-0 on the mound
During the summer, he continued to progress. He performed exceptionally well for Team Francisco Select, and his two-run single helped them capture the 16u New England Fall World Series this past weekend. With his size, current skillset and potential, he should be a Division-I player with a bright future ahead.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite players in Major League Baseball are Trea Turner and Jacob deGrom. I like both of these players because they are very consistent and dominate at the highest level. Trea Turner and Jacob deGrom are also two guys that don’t talk trash or do things for attention, they just go out and play the game.
Who has had the biggest influence on your playing career?
My travel ball coach Joe Fuso has had the biggest influence on my career, not only as a player but a person as well. Coach Fusco has helped me in many aspects of the game from the mental side to the physical side.
What was it like playing varsity as a freshman? Were they any players that helped you feel comfortable?
Playing varsity as a freshman was very humbling. During the season, you could have a day where you go 3-for-3 with line drives in the gaps to another day going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts, but it’s a dogfight and you have to push through. One teammate that always helped me and guided me was James Goff. He always made sure that I stayed positive and believed in myself when I would have that bad day or bad at bat.
Ryan Kiendle (Connetquot 2024) with a HR at the PG Super 25 pic.twitter.com/6p6KwZRMfC
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 18, 2021
What was your experience like with summer ball, did you go on any trips? Who were some of the top performers on your team?
Summer ball was a great experience, playing against the top-ranked teams and top-ranked players. Playing in Florida, Atlantic City and Virginia were some of my best times playing baseball and made many memories with some of my best friends. Some top performers on my team were Andrew Lenski, Ryan Adams, Jace Alvino, Aidan Murphy and Thomas O’Neill.
What are your goals for the off-season?
My goals for the offseason are to improve on everything, but mainly my strength, speed and velocity.
What is your dream college to attend?
My dream college to play at is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Do you have any private instructors?
I take private pitching lessons from Matt Vogel and also hitting lessons with Chris Sipp.
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite app on my phone is Snapchat.
Any superstitions on game day?
My superstition on game day is to do the same thing I did the last time I had a good game – whether it be eating the same food or taping my hand,
Favorite pregame meal?
My favorite pregame meal is a bagel. I have it before every morning game.
Pregame hype music?
My pregame hype music is either rap or rock music.
Favorite show on Netflix?
My favorite show on Netflix is All-American
