Meet a BlueJacket: Ryan Voelkel

Ryan Voelkel

AKA: Stroke, Longball, RV, Babyface

Position: First base Number: 41

DOB: 2-6-88

Height: 6’6” Weight: 255

Hometown: Yakima, Wash.

College: Green River Community College (Auburn)

Major: Plans to go into prelaw

Hobbies: Ping pong, basketball, football, fishing

If anyone’s bat provided the bulk of the spark to the Kitsap BlueJackets’ hot start this year, it’s been that of Ryan Voelkel. Voelkel, who earned a spot on the BlueJackets roster because the team was waiting for Joey Lind to report, made it impossible to put him back on Tacoma.

Voelkel, who plays for Kitsap coach Matt Acker at Green River, is second to Lind with nine RBI in league play for the Jackets. His .293 average is third and he leads the team with seven doubles. He took a little time to catch up with us this week.

What do you think of playing in the WCCBL so far?

“It’s nice to have a coach and good authority figure that knew me. I love it. The fans are great.”

What’s your favorite

baseball memory?

“It was probably a walk-off home run I hit against Tacoma Community College. It was great. I just loved it. I kind of just didn’t know what to feel.”

What do you think of

Kitsap County so far?

“I’ve been over here, playing tournaments before. But not the Fairgrounds. I love it. The weather’s nice. Got a nice little breeze (at the field). Like I said, the

fans are great.”

When did you fall in

love with baseball?

“In high school, I really started to excel in baseball more than any other sport (he also played football and basketball). That was

when I really started to pick up more love for it.”

What’s one of your funniest baseball memories?

“We make all the new guys on the (BlueJackets) come out and do a talent in front of everyone. I liked it. Joey Lind did the macarena. That was funny. It’s good team building.”

What are some things

people should know

about Ryan Voelkel?

“I play the game the way I am. I like to have fun, but I know how to buckle down.”

What’s something people don’t know about

Ryan Voelkel?

“I like to have a good time. A party? Hey, I’m there. I always

like to go out with my

friends and stuff.”

If you could have anyone’s swing or glove, whose

would it be?

I’d probably take A-Rod’s (New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez) swing. And glove.

He’s probably the best

athlete I’ve ever seen.”

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