CEDAR
RAPIDS, Iowa — As a team that has had its ups and downs throughout
the 2015 season, Glens Falls has a prospect that has been nothing but
steady during the 2015 campaign. A leader on and off the field, Ryan
Hooper has become a special talent in Glens Falls that will be dearly
missed at season's end.
As
a redshirt freshman at the University of California, Davis this past
spring, Hooper saw very little action on the field due to injury.
Coming to play in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League this
summer, the 20-year old Hooper has had a season to remember in
upstate New York.
“I
have loved my time up here in Glens Falls,” Hooper said in a recent
phone interview with Perfect Game. “I came to New York with a chip
on my shoulder and wanted to prove I could play at a high level
throughout the season.”
A
product of Moraga, Calif., Hooper led his high school team to a
fourth straight North Coast Section and Diablo Foothill Athletic
League title as a senior, hitting .487 while also playing four
different positions defensively.
As
a PGCBL participant, Hooper also impressed scouts with his abilities
at the plate and in the field, which correlate to his strong drive
and competitive nature to succeed at all cost.
“The
Perfect Game Collegiate League is a great organization that has
helped me improve a lot this summer,” Hooper said. “I’m a very
competitive guy who wants to succeed and I came here with that in
mind.”
Leading
Glen Falls this summer with five home runs, Hooper’s eight doubles
and 20 RBI are also good for second and third among those on the
Glens Falls' roster. With a batting average of .307, the Dragon’s
outfielder has shown his ability to hit for power and average,
something he hopes translates over to UC Davis this fall.
“I
go out there trying to improve my game very day. This is a high
caliber league with a lot of experienced guys so I know it will
benefit me in the long-haul.”
Last
week Hooper also participated in the Perfect Game Collegiate League
All-Star Game, representing the Dragons for the East squad. Driving
in two runs on three hits, one being a home run, Hooper could have
easily been named the All-Star Game MVP. With a knack for performing
in the clutch, Hooper has impressed throughout his time in New York
and believes there is much more to come as he plans on playing a
larger role at UC Davis next year.
“I
was injured a lot last year so I was excited for a chance to come to
New York and show what I can do,” Hooper said of his goals for the
summer. “I believe I can bring a lot to the table as I continue to
grow and mature and am looking forward to doing so next spring at UC
Davis.”
A
converted infielder, the PGCGL All-Star came to UC Davis as a third
baseman but will leave as an outfielder. With major depth at his
primary position, third base, Hooper moved to the outfield and has
ended up fitting nicely in the outfield grass. With an electric arm
and speed to cover major ground, Hooper has been exceling at his new
position in New York and looks forward to doing so in college as
well.
“I
believe defense is undervalued in baseball. I want to bring a spark
to that side of the game and play with a lot of energy.”
By
the time his collegiate career is over Hooper hopes to become a
professional with dreams of making the big leagues. So far,
everything looks good as the redshirt-sophomore-to-be continues to
grow and mature as an adult and baseball player. Coming from a long
line of baseball history, Hooper’s father and grandfather both
played collegiate baseball at California and his father also spent
time in the Oakland A’s and Cleveland Indians farm systems.
With
a great understanding of the game, and a solid background behind him
the UC Davis outfielder seems to be set on making a push for new
heights. Entering the 2016 school year, Hooper wants to focus on
staying healthy and giving himself an opportunity to play at a high
level in college. With dreams of making the NCAA Tournament, Hooper
says he is ready to lead UC Davis to heights the programs hasn’t
reached in recent years.
“Our
goal is to make a Regional and then look to reach Omaha,” Hooper
said. “I’m confident this year we can accomplish getting to the
postseason and then anything can happen from there.”