2012 Draft Prospect Q&A With Ryne Combs

I was lucky enough to get in touch with Ryne Combs recently and even luckier that he agreed to answer some questions for MLB Draft Guide.  Ryne, from Bryan Station in Kentucky, is one of the top lefthanded pitchers in the southeast.  He is a Kentucky commit.

Matt Grabusky:  At what age did you start playing haseball?

Ryne Combs: My parents tell me I actually started at age 3 in a league called the “Little Rookies”. It was basically T-Ball but more like a camp. I had already played quite a bit in the front yard at home, so I played 1st base for my team because I could already catch and throw somewhat.

MG:  When did you realize that a future in the sport was a legitimate possibility?

Ryne: I pitched a Varsity game as an eighth grader so by my freshman year making the Varsity team as one of the starting pitchers, I felt if I continued to work hard I could advance in this game.

MG:  Can you describe your pitches and where you feel they are in terms of their development?

Ryne: I throw both a 2 seam and a 4 seam fastball. My 4 seam I hope to add a little more velocity to. On my 2 seam it has good late run with arm-side break. My curveball is solid and I feel I can effectively throw it at anytime in the count. Probably my best pitch though is my change-up. I have the same mechanics as my fastball throughout and I consider it my “out pitch”.  Being a lefty all of my pitches have natural movement but I continue to develop all of my pitches.

MG:  Would you compare yourself with any Major League pitcher?

Ryne: Yes, Cliff Lee. We have the same style of pitching, especially the determination to get outs on the mound. I like how aggressive he is and I emulate that also.

MG: Who has had the most influence on your baseball career?

Ryne: My family has had so much influence. My dad set the foundation, as we played every day in the front yard when he would come home from work when I was young. My mom has been so supportive with all the travel, uniforms being clean and is at all my games and she tracks all my pitches. She probably knows my stuff better than anyone. My younger brother Clay has started to catch my bullpens and I appreciate his support, all of my family members support really. If there was one person though who has had the biggest influence on me and got my mechanics where they should be, it would have to be former Major Leaguer and current pitching coach for the Fort Wayne Tincaps, Willie Blair. Willie was my pitching coach at the Cal Ripken level and I still try to seek him for lessons every year just to make sure he doesn’t see anything that needs “fixed”.

MG:  What has been the highlight of your baseball career to this point?

Ryne: Without a doubt playing as a 12 year old in the Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen Maryland. It was a blast and something I will always cherish. I have to say though, playing in this year’s East Coast Professional Showcase was a thrill also.

MG: Who are some of the most talented players you have been on the field with?

Ryne: It’s so hard to know the names of individuals on the other team but some of the big name teams I have pitched against lately were the FTB team in the Perfect Game WWBA this past summer. They finished as Runner-Up to an East Cobb team in the 200 plus team tournament. The other team I faced was the Red Sox Scout team in Jupiter. Most of those guys were commited to big name Florida schools. It was exciting as my team, the Kentucky Baseball Club won that game.

MG: You have committed to play at Kentucky. What put them over the top?

Ryne: I actually was strongly considering another school but getting the opportunity to play for Kentucky in the SEC against the best competition was best. I realized if I wanted to make my dream of playing in the Majors someday come true, playing at this level would best help prepare me for that.

MG: If baseball ended tomorrow you would?

Ryne: I hope baseball never completely ends for me? It has impacted my life in so many positive ways. The relationships I have built, the family connection as well as being a more outgoing person, things like that. If it ended as a player, I would complete my college degree and hopefully find another way to be involved in the game. I have helped my younger brother’s teams as a pitching coach before, so hopefully baseball will always be a part of my life.

MG:  What is something that most fans would be surprised to learn about you?

Ryne: Probably a couple of things. One is that I’m actually right handed, I only play baseball (pitching and hitting) left handed. I am also bilingual and fluent in Spanish. I have been in the spanish emersion program in school since 1st grade. Lastly, that my favorite thing to do is just “chill out” on the couch with my dog Max by my side.

I would like to thank Ryne for taking the time to answer these questions for MLB Draft Guide and our readers.