Get to know ... Ryan Ball

Tyler Bieck: When did you begin to play baseball?

Ryan Ball: When the Los Angeles Dodgers requested that I started my training when I turned five.

TB: What positions do you play?

RB: I play shortstop, second base, and third base. I guess I'm kind of a utility player.

TB: What song do you have playing for your up-to-bat music?

RB: The guitar solo of "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin.

TB: Who is your favorite baseball player?

RB: Eric Gagne of the L.A. Dodgers cause he's a great player who shows a lot of emotion and plays for the league minimum. I would like him no matter what team he plays for. And, he reminds me of my other idol, Tyler Bieck.

TB: You injured your right knee last year and were out for the year.

Then you hurt your left knee at the beginning of the season and that kept you out until recently.

How does it feel to be back on the diamond playing?

RB: It feels great to have the opportunity to play with the "Vacuum" (Adam Kotschwar), the "Whirlpoo"l (Wade Felker) and the "Albino" (Quinton Pohl) again.

TB: You are "known" as the staff ace, although you have yet to pitch in a game for the previous two seasons, why is that?

RB: It's like a long-term poker game, we're sitting on a royal flush, but we can't show our hand too early.

This is the latest in a series of "Get To Knows" that will cover the entire McCook National Bank American Legion Seniors baseball squad.

The interviews were conducted by McCook Daily Gazette writer Tyler Bieck, a 2003 McCook High School graduate.

The photos were taken by McCook Daily Gazette sports editor John J. Mesh.