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Published On: December 12th, 2014

 

Ryan Ruiz – Central Arizona
2010 Rochester Honkers Field Manager
Top Photo of Wife Carissa, Oldest Daughter Brooklynn, & Ryan
Bottom Photo of Daughter Blake Audrey Ruiz

What’s your favorite memory while playing for the Rochester Honkers?
RR: My favorite memory managing the Rochester Honkers would have to be clinching the first half. Our players had so much fun that first half. They learned how to play relaxed and it helped us throughout the playoffs. That team was one of the most fun teams on and off the field I have been around. From road trips, to before games, after games, pranks, etc.,  they just had a lot of fun. The way baseball is supposed to be played.

What's your favorite non playing memory from your time with the Rochester Honkers?
RR: My favorite memory was being able to use my experiences as a college and professional baseball player to help assist these guys how to handle themselves on and off the field. One thing I remember that was great was the coaching staff sitting down before and after the games to talk baseball.  We had a great staff and we were able to make each other better.

Who was your favorite teammate when you played for the Rochester Honkers and why?
RR: I did not have a favorite player. All of these guys had a significance in my life to be a better person and coach. My favorite part of being the manager for the Honkers was that these guys pulled for each other and had a chemistry that only championship teams would know. Seeing some of these players make it to the next level and have success is what the Northwoods League is all about.

What has happened to you since you left Rochester and what are you doing now?
RR: After the Honkers I ended up coaching at Grand Canyon University for two more years where we reached the Division II world series in Cary, N.C. in my last year. I am no longer coaching in the game, but I am currently a University Development Representative at Grand Canyon University helping students to obtain their Bachelors, Masters, and even Doctoral degrees. I have been blessed with a second daughter Blake Audrey in September. Her sister Brooklynn loves having a little sister!

What was your biggest realization while playing for the Rochester Honkers?
RR:
The biggest realization I had while managing the Rochester Honkers is to cherish every day we have. The memories I have that summer will always stay with me throughout my life. We have an opportunity to help develop and make this world a better place. I attribute my experiences in Rochester and coaching in the Northwood’s League a big part of that.

Do you stay in contact with former teammates? If so, who?
RR:
I stay in contact with Litz and a lot of those players from that year through text, social media, etc. We went through a summer to remember and I know we will never forget.

I want to thank Dan and Liz and the whole organization of the Rochester Honkers for giving me the ability to coach some of the best college baseball players in the country.