Feb. 10, 2009
The University of Notre Dame baseball team welcomes eight newcomers to the diamond this season. In the coming weeks, UND.com will feature each Irish newcomer leading up to the team’s Feb. 20 season opener against Ohio State. The second Notre Dame player in the spotlight is left-handed pitcher Ryan Richter.
Jersey Number: 23
Hometown: South Bend, Ind.
High School: St. Joseph’s H.S.
Position: Left-handed Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6-3/205
Bat/Throw: R/L
If you were to play another sport at Notre Dame, what would it be?
Football
Best thing about the team:
Everyone enjoys coming to the ballpark. Everyone is goofy and makes playing the game fun.
What are three words that best describe Coach Schrage?
Quiet, dedicated, experienced
Which professional player would you compare yourself to?
David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays
What is your favorite major league ballpark?
Yankee Stadium
What would be the title of your autobiography?
High On Life (Or So They Say)
What is your favorite/most memorable sports moment?
It would be definitely winning sectionals and regionals in baseball my junior year or winning the NIC Holiday tournament my senior year in basketball.
Are you a fan of the American League’s designated hitter or do you prefer the National League style?
The DH is cool, but if I were to make it, put me in the NL.
Should college baseball switch to wooden bats?
Of course, I’m a pitcher.
Who is the best hitter and pitcher in major league baseball?
Hitter: Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher: Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants
Favorite baseball team:
New York Yankees
Favorite player:
Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I don’t have quite as many now that I don’t hit, but I never touch the foul line.
Why did you choose Notre Dame?
I always wanted to go here, especially after driving by the campus every day. The university is unparalleled when it comes to faith, academics and athletics. I am blessed to have the opportunity to attend Notre Dame.
— ND —