He watches ESPN’s Sports Center
to see how the grass is cut at baseball parks around the country and has learned the lore
of the game from two men, who know him and baseball better than anyone else.
North Carolina State, junior and Sports Management major, Ryan Combs is a
big right-handed presence on the mound for Cotuit this summer. He is currently 1-2 with an
ERA of 4.26 for the Kettleers and ranks pitching a three hitter against #7 ranked Clemson
and getting the win as one of his career highlights.
While his teammates labor at more traditional occupations, Combs spends
his day, when not playing baseball, caring for the grounds at Lowell Park. The striped
patterns on the carefully manicured infield and outfield grass, the meticulously raked
dirt and of course the pitchers mound, Comb’s other place of business, all come under
his fastidious care.
Back home in Raleigh, NC. this 20 year old learned the game from both his
father, Francis Combs and very close friend Jim "Catfish" Hunter. Together they
passed their love of the game on to Ryan, who brings talent and tradition to the Cape
League this summer.
How many different pitches do you throw?
I throw a fastball, curve, slider and change-up. This summer I am
working on a split-finger fastball.
How fast do you throw?
My fastball runs about 92 mph.
Who taught you the most about the game?
My dad taught me a lot. But, the last two summers I lived with
"Catfish" Hunter. We would sit in a swing and talk baseball. My dad grew up with
him and caught him at Perquimans High School.
Do you have a special memory from your baseball career?
It would have to be "Catfish" watching me pitch. We got real
close. He told me so many stories about my dad. When Billy Martin managed the Yankees
"Catfish" use to bring my dad with him to team meetings.
Why did you ask to be the player assigned to take care of the field at
Lowell Park?
I take pride in where I play and I want other teams to want to play
here. It’s an obsession. It’s something I might do if baseball doesn’t work
out.
Did you really bring your own dirt for the pitchers mound?
Yes, it’s a dark clay, an infield conditioner. In the past places
I’ve played don’t usually have much to work with. I brought three 50 pound bags.
If you could do anything you wanted to the field, what would it be?
I’d bring in new dirt. Every time I rake it there are rocks
everywhere.
How do you spend your free time?
I love to swim, water ski, anything that involves the water. I also
love to fish.
Describe yourself as a pitcher.
I think I am starting to understand pitching. At first I was just a
fastball pitcher. I have good location. But, I’ve become more confident. For the most
part I like going right after people.
The Sandwich Enterprise
July 7, 2000 by Dan Crowley
