“Covering the Bases” with Ryan Bull

Photo by Matt Cashore

Ryan Bull is a sophomore outfielder for the Irish from Eden Prairie, Minn. I sat down with the switch-hitting outfielder for a brief Q&A session in the first installment of our “Covering the Bases” series.

Q: Who was your favorite baseball player as a kid?

A: I’d probably have to say growing up I was a big fan of Mark McGwire. I just really liked the way he swung the bat.

Q: What player do you model your game after?

A: I really like the way Joe Mauer approaches the game, and the way he swings the bat. I always look at him as someone I can try to emulate and aspire to be like.

Q: Who is your favorite pro team?

A: I’d have to go with my hometown Minnesota Twins. I’ve just grown up around them and like watching them play.

Q:  Describe your pre-game ritual.

A: I don’t really have anything that I necessarily do before a game as a ritual. I just like to get a dynamic warm-up in and get my arm warmed up.

Q: Do you have a batting box ritual?

A: Yeah, I step in from either the right or left side, and tap the bottom of the plate and both outside corners.

Q: What is your favorite pre-game meal?

A: The night before a game, I like to get pasta or something that will sustain me over the next day just to give me the energy to perform.

Q: What is your favorite moment of your baseball career so far?

A: Last year against Pittsburgh, when I hit my first home run. It was a walk-off, and it was just a really exciting experience.

Q: What is your major and a favorite class?

A: I’m a Finance major, and I would have to say the Finance class I am taking right now with Professor Ackerman is probably one of my favorite classes I’ve taken so far.

Q: Is it easier to hit a 90 mph fastball or a wiffleball curveball?

A: That’s a tough one. I don’t know. I probably have to say a straight fastball would probably be easier to hit than somebody who knows how to use that wiffleball.

Q: Do you have any hobbies off the field?

A: I actually really enjoy building model rockets. I got into that as a kid at a camp, and I just think it’s kind of a fun thing to do on the side.

Q: What is your favorite spot on campus?

A: The Grotto is a nice place to be by myself and pray, and it just serves as a sanctuary.

Q: What is the best nickname on the team and who has it?

A: Breck Ashdown goes by “Branch.” It’s pretty funny.

Q: What is your favorite phrase from one of the coaches?

A: Every single time we finish our in-and-out drill, Coach Woods always tells us to “Hustle and get after it,” and it just sparks us and gets us ready for the game.