Feb. 9, 2008
The University of Notre Dame baseball team welcomes 19 newcomers to the diamond this season. The class was ranked as one of the top in the entire county — fourth by Baseball America and sixth by Collegiate Baseball. In the coming weeks, UND.com will feature each Irish newcomer leading up to the team’s Feb. 22 opener against Liberty. The first Notre Dame player in the spotlight is right-handed pitcher Ryan Sharpley.
Hometown: Marshall, Michigan
High School: Marshall H.S.
Position: Right-handed Pitcher
Height/Weight: 6-4/210
Bat/Throw: R/R
If you were to play another sport at Notre Dame, what would it be?
Football.
Best thing about the team:
The friendships.
What are three words that best describe coach Schrage?
Soft-spoken… intimidating.
Which professional player would you compare yourself to?
Houston Street
What is your favorite major league ballpark?
Yankee Stadium.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Ryan Sharpley.
What is your favorite/most memorable sports moment?
Winning the Connie Mack World Series.
Are you a fan of the American League’s designated hitter or do you prefer the National League style?
I prefer the American League.
Should college baseball switch to wooden bats?
No.
Who is the best hitter and pitcher in major league baseball?
Mariano Rivera, Alex Rodriguez.
Favorite baseball team:
New York Yankees.
Favorite player:
Mariano Rivera.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
No.
Why did you choose Notre Dame?
A Good Education.
— ND —