Cactus Athletic Camps

CC: When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
RR: I dreamed of being in the Majors playing in front of my family and friends. I also thought of being a construction worker like my Dad.

CC: What sports did you play?
RR: Baseball, soccer and basketball. Whatever season I was in I was consumed with, but baseball was always my favorite. Everyone knew that when I had to make a choice which one to play it would be baseball.

CC: Where you always the best on your team?
RR: No. My dad played pro ball and he worked me really hard. He helped me build my work ethic and pushed me to the limit mentally & physically.

CC: Do you think he pushed you to hard?
RR: No. The great thing about it is that my Dad is a Christian and even when he was getting on me he was also encouraging me with scripture. I believe that his positive reinforcement prepared me for pro baseball.

CC: How has his example helped you?
RR: In so many ways. He told me “Don’t abuse your talent and use it to your full potential. You’ve been given it and He (God) can take it away.” This is how I am trying to live my life and be a good example.

CC: When did you start working on pitching?
RR: I really started to kick it in when I was 12 years old.

CC: When do you think you had a shot to play pro ball?
RR: My junior year of High School I got invited to play in a showcase in Wilmington, NC. I was young, but did really well which surprised me. People started talking to me and said that I had a great shot.

CC: How did that make you feel?
RR: At that moment I felt God give me a real peace and I just believed this is what I am supposed to do.

CC: You were drafted out of High School last year in the second round. What was it like to get that phone call?
RR: I was in my basement watching the draft on the internet with my family and I noticed that the Rangers 1st round pick had the same agent as me. I started joking with everyone saying why don’t they just draft me. Right after I said it my buddy noticed my name on the screen and everyone flipped out! It was a rush.

CC: How was your first spring training?
RR: It was awesome. I came out early to get my feet wet. I signed late and did not get a chance to play last year so I was excited to get out on the field as soon as I could.

CC: Nolan Ryan is the president of the Rangers. What was it like meeting him?
RR: Unbelievable. He is a really nice guy and wants to see people succeed. He’s very approachable and is still as big as an ox. I heard a story that he threw out an opening day pitch not too long ago and without warming up he tossed it in at 88 mph!

CC: You’ve talked about God quite a few times in this interview. How important is He in your life?
RR: He is definitely my main focus. When I was 15 years old I was struggling pretty bad. When I decided to start playing for Him and being a tool for what He has planned for me things got easier. I realize that He can take this ability to play baseball away from me and I have full confidence in whatever ploans He has set out for me whether that includes playing ball or not.