TBR Interview-- Ryan Basham

East Forsyth, Top 100 Impact player, pitcher Ryan Basham pushed away from his Thanksgiving table to take some time answering some questions for us. Ryan has been called the best pitcher in the state this year and you could actually video his mechanics and show it as an instructional tape. The 6’ righty throws gas (he tops 90+) and has a wicked breaking ball to match. In the game he pitched against Florida Powerhouse at Jupiter, he completely dominated a great hitting ball club with 9 strikeouts and only 3 hits.

How was your experience with the Impact Baseball team?

Playing on the Impact Baseball was an experience I’ll never forget. It was the by far most talented team I have ever been apart of. The Jupiter Tournament was unbelievable, there was so much talent down there! Just seeing 400+ scouts walking, and riding around on golf carts, was a ball player’s heaven. Andy Partin really has an eye for talent. He put an excellent team together.

Congratulations on your commitment to Elon. What made you decide to sign there?

The Coaches played a big role on my decision. I wanted to find the Coaches I felt I could work with for four years. The Elon Coaches made me feel at home from day one. I think they will be easy to get along with, and make me better as a person and a player. The campus was another thing that caught my eye. It’s an awesome campus that is not spread out all over the place. And with the smaller class sizes, it will be much easier to focus. Overall it’s a smaller school that plays big-time baseball.

Who has been your biggest influence on your baseball career?

I’d have to say that my Parents, and Andy Harper. My parents have been behind me since day one. I don’t believe I’d be where I am without them. I have known Andy since I was 13. He has been my bullpen catcher and my workout partner. He has given me some advice from experience that doesn’t come along free. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without his help.

I noticed that you swing a good stick too. Will you play a position when not pitching?

My High- School coach will probably have me at 1st base when not pitching. It will save arm-stress but still have my bat in the game.

If you weren’t playing baseball, what other sport would you be playing?

I’m not really tall enough for basketball, and I don’t have the size for football. I have never really showed much interest in other sports. Baseball is the only sport I can get into. I have no idea what I’d do, or be without it.

The best player you have played with?

The best player that I have ever played with would be Chad Flack. It is unreal how much power this guy has. Watching Chad take BP was awesome, most guys feel pretty good after hitting 5 or 6 straight shots into the gap, but with Chad, it’s every swing. Pitchers pitched around him all fall. He also has a strong arm. On the mound I have seen him at 88mph. He is clearly one of the top players in the state.

Favorite food?

My favorite food would have to be Shrimp Scampi from Red Lobster!!

What do you do on your days off?

Normally when I have a day off from baseball, which doesn’t happen real often, I love to go fishing. It’s the most relaxing thing to do!

What are your future goals in baseball?

My future baseball goals are to be the best college baseball player I can possibly be, and have a successful 4 years. After college, if possible, I want to begin my life long dream, of playing Professional baseball.

Thanks Ryan for taking the time to answer a few questions. As one MLB scout said “ Basham has a huge upside “. If you ever get a chance to meet this well mannered, family oriented young man, don’t forget to ask for his autograph while it’s still free.

 

What a nice interview! You are correct in saying that "Bash" is not only a great ball player, but a nice young man as well. His parents, Lowell and Kim, have been with him every step of the way, and he is indeed fortunate to have Andy Harper in his corner. And if you aren't able to get Ryan's autograph, remember he has a younger brother, Landon ("little Bash") who is coming up in the ranks- you may be able to get his. Elon is fortunate to be getting a player of Ryan's caliber!

 

Hmm~~~note to self~~...see if I can get Lowell and Kim to move to Charlotte before NCbballfan recruits Landon for North Meck

 

Braves .... you just gotta learn.... recruit FIRST post later.

 

sorry guys......i think landon is gonna be an Eagle just like his brother....sorry to let ur hopes down...

 

...I think you are right

 

:applause: