Ramon "Rolls" Royce - A Pitcher With
Class
On the eve of a potential
Major League Baseball strike, I come home from work to a broken water main
at the foot of my driveway. I come in the house and open some mail
from John A. Logan College and Louisiana State University Baseball Team
and the telephone rings. On the other end
ia a up- beat pitcher
with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - Ramon Royce. We had talked two times
before games in Clinton, Iowa and I offered to interview him when an
opportunity came up.
"I'm on my way to Beloit; let's
do that interview," explained Royce. He was on his way to Beloit
from Appleton Wisconsin. His grandmother (on his mother's side) had
passed away and he was on his way to the funeral.
I
was a little worried with my three son's running around the house and our
new Jack Russell Terrier barking, the interview would have to wait until
later. Royce wouldn't hear of it. "I have four brothers.it'll
be just like at home," commented Royce.
As a result,
here is an interview of one of the classiest players I've ever
met.
Ramon Royce
#25 with the Wisconsin Timber
Rattlers
Born: September 22, 1979 in Boise, Idaho
Bats:
Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6'-5"
Weight: 215
lbs
Residence: Boise, Idaho
Obtained: Mariners'
17th-round selection in the 2001 June draft.
Career notes:
Began pro career in 2001 with Peoria (AZL), going 3-5 with a 5.87 ERA in
20 games, including three starts. Attended Treasure Valley Community
College in Ontario, Oregon, and Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston,
Idaho.
Major in college: Business
Administration.
TPA: What was your first impressions
of pro ball?
Royce: "You have to get use to 10-12 hours of
baseball and throwing everyday and the business part of the game.I love it
and don't take anything for granite."
TPA: What is your off season training
like?
Royce: "Weight room three times per week, medicine ball for
core strength two time per week and running an average of two miles every
three days."
TPA: And during the
season?
Royce: "During the season two to three miles of running,
weights two times a week, and medicine ball. Since the season can
take it's toll, I drink protein shakes to maintain my
weight."
TPA: A question I've never asked a ball
player before is about the team covering equipment cost. What do
they supply?
Royce: "They supply the uniforms, bats, and
helmets.we take care of our own gloves, shoes, batting gloves,
etc."
TPA: Have you had any major
injuries?
Royce: "No."
TPA: Where do you see yourself next
year at this time?
Royce: "At San Bernardino in the California
League.step by step up the mountain."
TPA: Any plans this Fall and
Winter?
Royce: "I hope to be invited to instructional league in
Peoria, Arizona and continue to work on mechanical improvements. It
would be great to play Winter ball, but it's tough for a "A" ball player;
it's mostly for AA and AAA players."
TPA: What are your pitching
strengths?
Royce: "I feel I have good control and location and I
get a lot of outs."
TPA: Who do you compare yourself
to?
Royce: "That's really tough to say." (I helped Royce out,
since I've seen him pitch. I compare him to a young
Greg Maddux
or Tom Glavine.)
TPA: Who's your favorite
player?
Royce: "Kevin Brown."
TPA: Who's your favorite
team?
Royce: "The Braves. My parents are originally from
Beloit, Wisconsin and my father has been a Braves fan since the days they
were in Milwaukee."
TPA: Outside of baseball, what is
something about yourself most people don't know about you?
Royce:
"I love working with kids at a baseball camp in Canada that my friend
coaches. It's an awesome feeling to help them focus, set goals and
work hard. Also living in Idaho, I love the outdoors.hunting and
fishing."
TPA: Anything you want to add about
your baseball experience this year?
Royce: "The Mariners are a
first class origization with positive coaches, staff and trainers.
They provide a good environment and it's all about helping players.
It awesome playing for Gary Thurman. He made his living with his
speed and base stealing ability. He has taught me
how to watch
base runners and keep them from running on me. Brad Holman (pitching
coach) has taught me with each count, what is the most effective location
and pitch."