Tuesday March 26th, 2024
TEXT_SIZE

Ryan Harvey

 

 

Ryan Harvey

USSSA Playing History

USSSA Major List Player

2015 Interview

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
Outfield, Rightfield

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Luis Reyna, Jason Branch, Nic Santana, Brian Wegman, Kevin Kennington, Bubba Mack, Jeremy Yates, too many to pick just one!!

Why do you like the game of softball?
The competitiveness of the game, excellent competition and enjoyable to play.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Orlando Castillo, has more passion and works harder than anybody, challenge anyone to say different!!

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
I got the nickname Thor 3 years ago while I was still playing baseball and its stayed with me into softball. They said I had the look and I hit the ball as Thor would if he were a ball player.

What is your height and weight?
6'5 280

Where do you call home?
Palm Harbor, FL

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Driving my car, going to the gym or going to the gun range

What do you do for a living?
Part owner of a gym, Tampa Bay Athletics out of West Chase, FL, hitting and arm strengthening lessons

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
4 years of high school baseball and 11 years pro baseball

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
During the 2009 off season I was invited out to a league night in Clearwater, instantly was hooked to the game, started playing on a nightly basis, was invited to play with PNH in 2010 by Abdul Gaines, he got me hooked up with Luis Reyna, I had a BP and tourney tryout for Suncoast Reebok in which I signed with them for the 2012 season but received a call to return to baseball. I ultimately walked away from baseball after the 2013 season. Jason Branch got Jason Kendrick to come down for a meeting and a BP session which resulted in The Scene picking me up for the 2014 season.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Speed of the game, competition level

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
I don't compare myself to anyone, everybody is different, each player has their own playing style, attributes that make them like no one else.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
7 HR game at the Smokey

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Abdul Gaines for introducing me to tourney ball and pointing me in the right direction, Luis Reyna, Jason Branch, Orlando Castillo and Chitty Baggs for teaching me the in's and out's of softball and how to play the "game" right!!

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Be yourself, it's all about individuality, work hard play hard, hustle, listen to the guys that have been there before and around the longest!! Just go out and have fun!

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Bottom hand pinky off knob, top hand baseball style

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
League 4 nights a week, pick up tourneys here and there, BP once or twice a week, gym

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
I don't really have a favorite sports team, I like watching sports in general. Baseball is favorite sport other than softball

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Never step on chalk line, never jinx the game or other players, karmas real

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Heavy rock or metal, "next big thing" by Jim Johnson

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Don't think there is anything to improve on

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
The Smoky and Cincinnati major, great park set ups and great atmosphere

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Disney

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Applebee's

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Lynell Nelly McLeod at the 2014 Taco Cup

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
Signed to go to The University of Florida for architecture as well as baseball

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Nolan Ryan, Hank Aaron and Pete Rose signed baseballs


 

9 responses to “Ryan Harvey”

  1. Scott Sunderland says:

    A great addition to our team both on and off the field.Looking forward to this season with the pick ups we made.

  2. AC03 says:

    Ryan is one of the great ones coming up ….. have had the chance to really get to know him last 6 or 7 months and He is the real deal!!! Nelly at the taco cup ….lol

  3. Beezy says:

    Ryan Harvey is the real deal. And a super cool gentle giant. But wouldn’t wanna make him mad that’s for sure. . Lol.

  4. Brett Melton says:

    This kid is a great hitter and a class act. I have gotten to know him a little more over last few months. Great player even better person. Oh and Nelly was straight up fool at the Taco Cup

  5. Tony Verdugo says:

    #BEAST

  6. 2old2slo says:

    What ounce bat does he use?

  7. wayne rushing says:

    Met Ryan this season and he is the real deal. A great young man and has a terrific future in the game of softball. Good luck Ryan.

  8. Nelly 84 says:

    Haha how did I miss this great interview. Taco Cup was a blast with all my boys before I ventured to the sandbox overseas. I think I hit the furthest ball at the tournament it just happened to go backwards. The memories will last a life time. Good luck this year my dude sky is the limit for you! See you in July

  9. ARFAN ARIF says:

    Hey Ryan, hope this reaches you in good health. I have been watching your videos and very much like what you have to say. I’m impressed and feel can learn so much. I live in Virginia. Is it possible for you to come out in near future, our season starts in July and feel myself and others can benefit so much. I would truly benefit and get so much better. I know your schedule is probably heactic, but I am a fan and would love it if you can make it, too bad your not in Virginia you can play with us. Please let me know if you can travel I may assist Little with your travel expense if you can. Hope to hear from you soon.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.