Ryan Lavarnway is a catcher and outfielder for the Yale Bulldogs. So, if baseball doesn’t work out for him, he’s got a nice fallback plan. But, it looks like he’s going to be just fine. Last year, as a sophomore, the 6-foot-3, 210 pound Lavarnway hit .467/.531/.873. He led the NCAA in batting average and slugging percentage and was named a third-team All-American by Baseball America. This year, he picked up right where he left off and is again tearing up the Ivy League to the tune of .398/.541/.824. I caught up with Ryan via e-mail and here is what he had to say…
Start off by telling everyone where you grew up, how you became interested in baseball and a little about your prep baseball career.
I grew up in Southern California. My parents took me to a field when I was five and I've been in love with the game ever since. I played at El Camino Real High School where we won CIF my senior year and were ranked number one in California.
So, you grew up in California, but traveled all the way out to Connecticut for school. How would you compare life on the east coast to life on the west coast?
Coming to Yale was an easy decision. Firstly because there was no way I could turn Yale down. Secondly because this was my only real offer to play D-I. Life on the east coast is definitely different — from not being able to play outside all year, down to the way people dress. It’s a lot different, but I like it.
Yale isn’t exactly known as a baseball hotbed. What is life like for an Ivy League student athlete? What are you studying?
I’m studying philosophy, and life as an Ivy League student athlete is not easy. We don’t receive any special academic privileges, so you learn time management and life management really fast!
You’ve played both outfield and catcher — which position do you prefer?
I prefer to play catcher. Being in the game on every pitch and being captain on the field are both things I love.
You’re putting up some ridiculous numbers as a hitter this season. How would you describe yourself as a hitter to someone who hasn’t seen you hit? What is your approach at the plate?
I don’t know how I would describe myself as a hitter…that’s a job for journalists! My approach is simple: I just stay balanced, get a pitch I can drive and put a good swing on it. I think that’s all I can do.
Baseball players are known for their superstitions. Do you have any?
I have some, but nothing too ridiculous. For example, I don’t walk under a ladder and, if I see a black cat, I walk the other way. I also believe that if you tip well, you'll hit well.
Did you play summer ball last year? If so, what was that experience like?
I've played summer ball the last two years and loved every minute of it.
(ed. note: in 2006, Lavarnway played for the Monroe Channelcats in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League. Last year, he played for the Manchester Silkworms in the New England Collegiate Baseball League) Between the atmosphere, the families you stay with and the other players, it is very enjoyable.
What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career?
My most memorable moment would be hitting a bomb against my high school’s rival, Chatsworth, to tie the game at five with a full count and two outs. As “Zombie Nation” blasted on the speakers, everyone (including me) was going crazy!
Do you have a favorite MLB team?
I’ve got to go with my hometown boys, the Dodgers.
Who is your favorite pro baseball player? Is there a player that you try and model your game after?
I love watching Chipper Jones play, but I don’t try to model my game after anyone in particular. I just try to play hard all the time.
What do you like to do when you’re not playing baseball?
In my spare time, I love to go bowling or to the beach with the guys and play pick-up football.