By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

 

At 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, Alex Ralph presents the kind of frame you would expect to see from a corner infielder at the collegiate level.  At the Unsigned Senior Games Event in August at Northern Kentucky University, Ralph showed he had the baseball skills to go along with the frame. 

Defensively, he showed good lateral movement and body control, soft hands, and an accurate arm at 81 mph across the infield.

At the plate, the physical Ralph flashed his bat speed with a 93 mph tee exit velocity and showed he has the potential hit for power at the next level.  He routinely drove the baseball in his round of batting practice and followed that up with a solid performance during game play.

Ralph, ranked No.58 in Kentucky's 2014 class, recently committed to Bellarmine University, and we caught up with him to discuss his decision.

PBR: Why did you choose Bellarmine?

Ralph: I chose Bellarmine because I will get a top-notch education while playing baseball for a great program that is headed in the right direction. I am also excited to stay close to home where my family will be able to watch me play.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Ralph: I was also considering University of Southern Indiana, Indiana University Southeast, and Eastern Kentucky University.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?

Ralph: I’m not sure where they first saw me compete, but I believe the coaching staff watched me play multiple times during the regular high school season of my junior year. Also, the coaching staff was very impressed with my video on the PBR website.

PBR: What role does Coach Owens expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Ralph: Coach Owens is expecting me to compete for a starting position on the left side of the infield my first year on campus.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Ralph: My parents have had a huge impact on me by teaching me the value of hard work and character. I have been very fortunate to have great coaches from tee ball all the way up to high school.  However, the person who has had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player would have to be Brian Ching. Ever since I started working out at Ninja Sports Performance, my game has excelled. Coach Ching has all the equipment and knowledge that has brought me to the player I am today. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Ralph: I play for the Ironmen Baseball Club during the summer. There were many exciting experiences I had over the summer including several last inning comebacks, but the most exciting experience was traveling to Georgia to play in the Perfect Game tournament. There were many great teams, the weather was perfect, and the Bermuda grass was amazing.

PBR: Bullitt East had an amazing run to start the season last year before losing to eventual state champion PRP in the 6^th Region tournament. What are your individual and team goals for you senior season?

Ralph: My individual goals for my senior season are to be a good leader, and an even better teammate. As for my team goals, I want to knock PRP out in the 6^th Region championship and go on to win a state title.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in Kentucky?

Ralph: The toughest pitcher I have faced in Kentucky is Jacob Kelly. He is a tall lefty and has great movement on his fastball.