STORY: 2019 RHP/OF Ryan Bogusz (Lonestar HS)

FRISCO, TX - When Ryan Bogusz drew Division I college interest at a showcase as an eighth grader the realization hit.

College baseball was in his future.

“It has always been a lifelong dream,” Bogusz said about playing at the next level. “I want to play pro ball. I want to be successful in life like that.

“When a D1 Head Coach first talked to me in eighth grade and said they’d stay in contact with me, that started the fire. Since then I’ve wanted to get better and better and get in front of more and more people.”

The Lonestar junior has had visits to a Pac-12 school and Big-12 school, but numerous other colleges are in the picture, including high academic D1 schools across the country.

“I went to a couple PBR events with Coach Bick (Toby Bicknell, PBR Texas Scouting Director) and with the videos they shoot it’s really helped out a lot,” Bogusz said about his exposure that included participation in the All-State Games and North Texas Underclass Games, both invitationals. “I’m gonna try to make it to a couple more.”

What those in attendance have seen in the 6-2 165-pound two-way player is a great deal of promise to help out down the road.

“I’ve been told if I fill out I have a chance to be something special,” the fifth-ranked unsigned junior in the state said. “I believe I can compete with a lot of people if I do my best and, hopefully, somebody realizes there are people out there that are maybe being overlooked. I’m hoping someone looks and catches me at the right time.”

Recent improvement on the mound has the right-hander demonstrating a hint of what is to come.

“My velo is up six miles an hour in the last year,” Bogusz noted. “My whole mechanics are more smooth and I’ve gained more control.”

But there is more to his game than just as a pitcher.

“I can pitch and play outfield,” Bogusz said. “I’d like to go as a two-way but if a college doesn’t want or need a two-way, I’ll have to decide from there.”

While interest is there, Bogusz continues to work on getting better.

“I still want to add velocity as a pitcher and with hitting there are times I struggle,” Bogusz said. “It’s about patience and being disciplined. Sometimes I get anxious to get something and then I’m out on my front foot.”

What the 65th-ranked junior in Texas is looking for in a college is still being determined.

“I don’t know if I want to be at a big Division I school or a smaller D-I with more academics,” Bogusz explained. “If I’m not going to play, I don’t want to waste my years. I don’t just want a jersey, I want to play.

“Going to a big D-I would be cool, but if it feels better at a smaller D-I or bigger D-II that might be right for me. I really want to go to a good program that has good academics as well as baseball. I know my parents want more academics because that’s what’s going to carry me through life.”

Bogusz points to his father as a big role in where he is in the game today.

“My dad (Scott) is always there watching my games and helping me out,” explained Bogusz, whose father was his Little League coach. “He’s always coaching me with what I’m doing wrong. I know his goal for me is to go play college baseball and I want to fulfill that for him.”

The next four to five months will be huge in that regard.

“It’s all about getting bigger, faster and stronger right now,” Bogusz said. “I want to get out in front of college coaches and showcase what I have.”

Once that takes place, the 3.85 student who plans to major in sport management feels the pieces will all come together.

“What they will realize is how much determination I have,” Bogusz said. “I want to go get it. If I’m given a task, it will get done.

“I’m looking forward to going out this summer and seeing what I can show them. Personally, I’d love to have offers now, but to make a commitment it has to be the right spot at the right time.”

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