Westfield Alum Competes in Hamptons Baseball League

By Jim Furlong

Ryan Williams, former baseball standout, is currently playing in the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball league on eastern Long Island.

On Saturday night, Williams excelled and helped boost the North Fork Ospreys into first place. He notched a lifetime career-high 12 strikeouts in eight innings to highlight a 3-1 home victory over the Westhampton Aviatos. His pitching gem means the Ospreys (20-16) are the likely No. 1 seed for the HCB playoffs, which start next weekend.

Tom Verbanic, a longtime coach in Fairfax County, taught Williams to stay alert.

"One of my old coaches said to me: 'If you think, you stink. But if you react, you're exact, '" said Williams. "Coach Verbanic told us as little kids—never watch a play. Try to make the next play. He taught us discipline and to pay attention to the the little things."

Williams, a rising junior starter at William & Mary, speaks fondly about Verbanic, a former head football coach for the Westfield Bulldogs, a former Westfield assistant baseball coach and a long-time Little League coach in the Chantilly area. "He's a big influence, a family friend," said Williams. Verbanic is now athletic director and baseball coach at in Oakton.

Williams' parents, Chuck and Louise, are also big influences. They recently spent nine days in the Hamptons watching their 19-year-old son, including his selection and participation in the 2011 ACBL All-Star Game July 11 in Brooklyn. During June and July, Williams has proven to be an impressive athlete playing for the Ospreys.

"He has done it all: a five-tool player," said North Fork co-coach Brian Hansen. "He's our most-versatile player. He can play all three outfield positions, shortstop, third base and pitch." Williams, who is hindered by a lingering knee injury, is batting .278 with four homers and 19 RBI. He owns a 2-0 pitching record.

"I have played almost every position up here; wherever the team needs me," said Williams. "I don't think I am the biggest, the strongest, the fastest guy out there. I think I am pretty versatile. Basically, I feel confident I can find a way to get the job done."

Williams also impressed William & Mary head coach Frank Leoni. He's started 100 games for the Tribe and last spring slugged a team-high seven homers.

"Ryan has had two solid seasons here at William & Mary," said Leoni.  "He has shown his versatility, playing third base as a freshman and left field as a sophomore. I expect Ryan to be a major part of our team next year as an infielder, outfielder and a bigger role on the mound."

Williams, whose family lived in Franklin Glen before his parents moved to Williamsburg earlier this year, learned to love baseball at an early age. He attended Lees Corner Elementary School and and played on Little League, AAU and travel teams. Williams recalled, when he was 10 years old, he competed at Chantilly Park and helped win an All-Star District Tournament. Moving up to Westfield High Varsity, he was a three-year starter for Coach Chuck Welch. His biggest highlight came in 2009 when the Bulldogs built a 21-2 record.

"My senior year, I had a pretty big impact," said Williams. "Me and five other seniors led us undefeated in the (Concorde) district, 14-0." Williams was named the 2009 Concorde Player of the Year and All-Metro after batting .354 with eight homers and 34 RBI. At Westfield, he was also a student volunteers coach for the ninth-grade basketball team.

Now, he is living with a host family and spends time with their three young sons. "I had never been to Long Island," said Williams. "I wanted to go out and get a new experience. This is intriguing. That's part of growing up and getting better."

When he plays, Williams likes "to clear the mechanism." He said, "it just means, you can't think too much. Let the game come to you. Just stay loose. . . . Because when you are in a loose mood, you play the best baseball."

On July 25, Williams will have an opportunity to impress pro scouts when the Hamptons league hosts its annual Scout Day.

"He has unlimited potential," said Hansen. "I think he can go a long way. He is a strong kid who is fast, very knowledgeable."