Ryan Query Signs With The Braves
February 24, 2010
Filed under Featured Athlete, Sports, Sports Center, Top Stories
By Jen Trout
- When you hear the name Ryan Query, many thoughts come to mind. A communications major who is smart, funny, caring, and pretty much an all around great guy. However, the one thought that stands out is that Query is unbelievable athlete and an outstanding baseball catcher.
In high school, Query played at A.L. Brown and for the Kannapolis American Legion. Coming to Catawba College, Query started all four years catching for the Indians. In 2009, Query’s senior year, he led the team with 20 home runs, 75 RBIs, 21 doubles and had a batting average of .384. The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) named him All-American.
He was third team selection for the 2009 Rawlings/ABCA NCAA II All-America Team, and first team selection for ABCA All- Southeast Region Baseball Team. He was also SAC Tournament MVP, SAC All- Tournament Team in the All-South Atlantic Conference and Southeast Region All-Tournament. Query finished among the top 10 career leaders in hits, (240), RBIs (179), runs scored, (166), doubles (49) and homeruns (34).
This year, Query has been standing on the sidelines with Coach Gantt lending a helping hand as assistant coach to his team. Seems like he’s doing a great job, since the Catawba baseball boys have a record that is currently 11-1. Unfortunately, the Catawba baseball team will have to continue without him, considering Query has to report to Orlando, Fla., on March 9 for Spring Training for the Atlanta Braves.
Q: “Let’s start from the beginning. How did this all happen?”
A: “It was all spur of the moment. Baseball scouts are always watching us at batting practice. I saw one of the scouts whom I have gotten to know over the years. His name is Billy Best, and I went over and talked with him. At that time, I was about to get ready to play ball for an independent team in Kentucky, the Florence Freedom. I went over to Billy and told him I was leaving and asked him if he had any advice. He didn’t really say much, but I didn’t really take it too personal. After that, I went to go throw ball with some of the guys and Coach Gantt called me over and said that I had a phone call. Billy was on the other end of the line and asked me if I would like to play for the Braves.”
Q: “Easy answer?”
A: “YES! My dad and I headed to Burlington to sign my papers and we each got a Braves cap.”
Q: “What was your initial reaction when you received that phone call?”
A: “Basically, it was “My dreams coming true.” I’ve always followed the Braves ever since I was a little boy. They’re my favorite team. My granddad always wore a Braves cap. But when I received that phone call, I was shocked for a second. I called my dad and he had the same reaction. I think we were both really excited and we just did really know what to say.”
Q: “How do you feel about heading down to spring training?”
A: “I’m trying to be confident. I know I can play and I know I’m good enough, but my only concern is the competition.”
Q: “It’s a whole different ball game, right?”
A: “Right! There’s a difference in competition. From playing at a college level to playing in the pros, it’s totally different. I’m in shape and I’m ready. I’m ready to get back on the field.”
Q: “How have you been keeping in shape?”
A: “I’ve been working out with the baseball team. It’s kind of like I never stopped playing with the boys. I work out after practice with Coach Gantt and some of the other alumni who are playing pro, like Chris Ahearn and David Thomas.”
Q: “What are you looking forward to the most?”
A: “I’m excited that I’m able to keep playing. I was upset at my last game at Catawba because I knew I would be able to play, I just didn’t know where. Now that I have the opportunity, I will make the most of it!”
Q: “Last question… are you going to hook me up with season tickets and a jersey?”
A: “ Ha-ha! Yes! When I make it, I’ll try to get all the people I know to the games. If I knew someone in the pros, I’d expect the same!”
There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, another Catawba Indians joins the majors. If you haven’t gotten the opportunity to get to know Query, I suggest you get a move on! If you do see him, make sure to wish him good luck and tell him not to forget where it all started. Maybe he’ll hook you up with some tickets too!
GOOD LUCK QUERY!!! We’re all cheering for you!
25 Things You Didn’t Know About Ryan Query
1. My middle name is Edison
2. My last name used to be McQuery
3. I used to play soccer
4. I used to do gymnastics
5. My favorite food is breakfast foods
6. My favorite baseball team is the Braves
7. My favorite movie is Dumb & Dumber
8. I like the beach more than the mountains
9. I had a hamster named Spanky
10. There are 5 people in my family who have a birthday in August
11. My best friend also plays in the majors for the Brewers
12. Dale Earnhardt is from my hometown
13. I know how to shag (as in the dance)
14. I drive a truck
15. I love the Panthers
16. I loved every moment at Catawba
17. I’ve been to Hawaii twice
18. I would like to travel to Jamaica
19. I’m scared of bees
20. My favorite flavor Gatorade is purple
21. I like to eat at the KNW
22. My favorite color is green
23. I have a sister named Kristen
24. I played Joseph in my church’s Christmas play in high school
25. Brett Hatley is my hero
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I love how he said stuff about them WONDERS. But I guess that’s why his favorite color is green.
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