On Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, Abington senior Ryan Van Buren was recognized for signing a letter of intent to continue his baseball career at the University of Maryland. (Photos provided courtesy of Abington Senior High School)
Ryan Van Buren – University of Maryland (Baseball)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Maryland, St. John’s, Rutgers, Penn State
Reasons for choosing Maryland: “What made me choose Maryland was the coaching staff and the culture that they have there. Most of the recruits had reached out to me and really created a family there. We’ve all gotten really close since.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “I always knew that I could reach my high potential through high school. I definitely had some injuries early on and some mental blocks. As soon as that cleared up my junior year, I really came out strong, put on some weight, and my velo progression really jumped my junior year to get in the 90s.”
Coach Bill Degen says: “I started coaching Ryan when he was 12 or 13 when I worked for his summer team, the Whiz Kids. When he started to play for them, I was the 13-year-old coach, and I got him in the fall that year when they’re all 12 but we play in the 13. He was talented then, and it was just a matter of how far he could take it and how much he would grow. He’s an extremely hard worker. He is definitely a team leader on and off the field. I know he’s going to a big school, but I could see him helping out a team even like Maryland as a freshman.
“He’s a very smart player. He understands the game, he knows what pitches to throw in what counts. He knows he doesn’t always have to rely on his fastball, but when he needs to, he can reach back and blow it by guys.”
About Ryan:
Favorite food: Cheeseburgers
Favorite TV show: Family Guy
Favorite music: Country
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