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First inning for Rye’s new baseball team

By Harlan Nemerofsky

Brittany Chan insists she isn’t mad.

But after training over the past six months to try to become Ryerson’s first female athlete on a men’s varsity team, she will not be a part of the new baseball team’s final roster.

“The decision on Brittany was hard,” said head coach Ben Rich. “She fared better than some of the guys who tried out. She had a shaky first inning where she didn’t have control of her pitches, but then bounced back in her second inning with a three-up-three-down performance.”

Rich said that he sent her a personal email letting her know why certain players edged her out.

“My whirlwind week has finally come to a close, ending with some news that has left me disappointed,” said Chan, the second-year business student via Facebook. “I was told that it was a hard decision for the coaches [but] I completely understand and respect [the coaches’] choice and reasoning.”

“The news isn’t what I wanted to hear but, for sure, I’m extremely happy I was given the opportunity in the first place.”

Rich, who announced the final 25-man roster Friday morning following three days of try-out last week, is looking forward to competing for a playoff spot in the team’s inaugural season in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA).

“The OUA is a tough league, but we feel we can be competitive,’ said Rich. “This isn’t just some rag-tag bunch of players thrown together; all of these guys are legit, skilled ballplayers who are dedicated to this team and this program.”

The plan, said Rich, is to have a starting rotation of three or four starting pitchers, with the occasional fifth to make a ‘spot start’, if need be

“Ultimately the rotation will be determined by the play of the athletes. We have some guys lined up to start this weekend, and the coaching staff will assess the performance and make adjustments to the rotation if necessary.”

The baseball team plays its first regular season game on Sept. 6 at Howard Talbot Park.

Here is The Eyeopener’s comprehensive scouting report of the 2013-2014 roster:

 

Middle Infielder:

 Mark Tari, SS

Year: 3rd

Secondary position: P

Rich: “Great range defensively; smooth, consistent, line-drive swing.”

 

Julio Ramirez, 2B

Secondary position: P

Year: 3rd

Rich: “Sure-footed defender with quick hands.”

 

Steven Skrela, SS

Year: 4th

Secondary position: 2B

Rich: “Has range and arm; brings a solid bat.”

 

Brett Dimpfel, 2B

Year: 3rd

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Smooth defender with a good arm.”

 

Corner Infield

Josh Lund, 3B

Year: 2nd

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Strong swing with a good approach at the plate.”

 

Thomas Bidzinski, 3B

Year: 4th

Secondary position: 1B

Rich: “Throws across the field effortlessly; experienced at the plate.”

 

Brenden Grimes, 1B

Year: 4th

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Well-rounded defensively and offensively.”

 

Catchers:

Ben Warsh, C

Year: 2nd

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Calls a good game and blocks very well.”

 

Keith Capstick, C

Year: 2nd

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Power swing, solid defence.”

 

Outfielders

Quinn Cumming, OF

Secondary position:  P

Year: 2nd

Rich: “Speed in the OF and on the basepaths; good hands at the plate and a strong arm.”

 

Jason Te, OF

Year: 1st

Secondary position: P

Rich: “Some pop in the bat and a power arm; freshman with upside.”

 

Nathan Shiwcharan, OF

Year: 3rd

Secondary position: P

Rich: “Smooth swing with gap capabilities.”

 

Kevin Pingol, OF

Year: 2nd

Secondary position: P

Rich: “Sees the ball well and battles every at-bat.”

 

Lee Melymick, OF

Year: 1st

Secondary position: P

Rich: “Lean frame and effective on the mound.”

 

Gabe Frano, OF

Year: 1st

Secondary position: P

Rich: “Solidly built freshman who is capable on the mound and at the plate.”

 

Pitchers:

Bryan Vardzel, P

Year: 2nd

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Experienced pitcher with quality stuff; knows how to get outs.”

 

Caleb King, P

Year: 2nd

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Big arm on a big frame.”

 

Toby Kerr, P

Year: 3rd

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Has filled out his frame to improve his velocity and secondary pitches.”

 

Somayaji Ayalasomayajula, P

Year: 3rd

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Good whip action in his arm”

 

Brandon Magalhaes, P

Year: 3rd

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Lefty with a good arm slot and good movement.”

 

Lucas Crichton, P

Year: 1st

Secondary position: 2B

Rich: “Good movement and control on his pitches.”

 

Allan Perkins, P

Year: 1st

Secondary position: C

Rich: “Strong; freshman who will continue to add velocity.”

 

Luis Marquez, P

Year: 2

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Bulldog-type pitcher with a great attitude.”

 

Ali Valiji, P

Year: 3rd

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Sound mechanics and hits his spots.”

 

Dennis McLeod, P

Year: 1st

Secondary position: None

Rich: “Solid movement, hides the ball well.”

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