Sharks Sign Lefty Pitcher From West Coast

Published on January 24, 2012 under Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL)
Martha's Vineyard Sharks News Release


Ryan Brockett is from West Hills, CA, which is a 6 hour drive to the campus of St. Mary's College of California, located in the San Francisco area. Ryan, a southpaw, was highly recommended by a connection of Coach Mike O'Malley from his ever expanding baseball network. O'Malley knows one of the assistant coaches at St. Mary's, Mike McCormack.

Brockett was heavily recruited coming out of Crespi High School. His decision to go to St. Mary's was based on the atmosphere of the campus, which made a huge impression on him. He liked the coaches, loved the weather and it wasn't too far away from home.

Brockett throws a four-seam and two-seam fastball, the latter being his primary pitch. His secondary pitches consist of a change-up, curveball and cutter. Ryan's fastball is in the mid to upper eighties. Brockett stated that "as a lefty growing up, I've always had to rely on location as my primary source of success. As my pitching skills developed during my high school years and last year, combined with the velocity on my fastball increasing each year, my early focus on pitch-location helped accelerate this development."

As a freshman last season Brockett didn't get the opportunity to put in many innings at St. Mary's, which is typical for a freshman pitcher. When asked how does it look for the 2012 baseball season? He responded "this upcoming baseball season looks good. Although we are returning our entire staff, except for one reliever, I believe I've made considerable gains to increase my workload for the Gaels." He stated that last season "of the many freshmen at St. Mary's College, I believe that only one freshman had an excess of 20 innings with just five of those innings pitched in-conference. Our pitching staff is quite remarkable for the size of our school. At one point during last season, we were ranked 12th in the nation." Ryan was asked if he expects to start or come out of the bullpen this upcoming season. His response was "with all the starters returning, I anticipate pitching in relief." He was asked if he expects to be a lefty specialist coming out of the bullpen. His thoughtful response was "I believe that any lefty can be a lefty specialist due to the natural advantage a lefty possesses. However, although I love to take this advantage and put it to use, I love attacking right-handed hitters probably more than lefties."

Ryan worked on his craft during the summer, pitching for the Neptune Pearl in the Far West League. He enjoyed a solid season throwing 38.1 innings with 40 strikeouts and 7 walks including a tidy ERA of 2.83. According to Brockett the competition in the Far West League was extremely competitive. "Hitters were very aggressive and always looked to jump on a fastball early in an at bat, so I became proficient at throwing my first pitch off-speed and even cutters in 2-0 counts with runners on base."

He has never been to Martha's Vineyard but is excited about the opportunity and is looking forward to the challenge and atmosphere.

General Manager, Jerry Murphy, loved the response Ryan gave him when he was asked what his primary goal will be pitching in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League this upcoming summer. He quickly responded "Dominate! I want to bring a championship to the Vineyard. I want to make a name for myself and at the same time help my team to the best of my ability."

He was asked if he is ready for the minor-league type travel that he will incur when he begins playing for the Sharks; the charter boat rides back to the Vineyard at 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM in the moonlight? He replied "Yes! I would like nothing more. The charter boat rides are something I'm particularly looking forward too. The crowds, the game of baseball and the overall atmosphere being on the East Coast for an extended period of time is really exciting to think about and presents a great opportunity."

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Futures Collegiate Baseball League Stories from January 24, 2012


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