Graham Ramos Born For Baseball, UT

Graham Ramos has grown up around baseball and The University of Tampa. For as long as he can remember, he has been attending Spartan baseball games. After years of being a spectator, the choice was clear for Ramos to attend The University of Tampa and become of the players that he idolized as a child.

Baseball is in Ramos' blood, as he has three uncles that played college baseball; one even played in the majors with the Yankees. One should say that Ramos was born to play this sport.

The Plant High graduate had a great career in high school, "I batted .350 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI." As a freshman, the team lost in the first round of districts. In his sophomore and junior seasons the team lost in the district semi-finals. As a senior, Ramos and his team made it all the way to the state championships before losing in the semifinals.

Plant produced many talented players during Ramos' tenure, including teammate Mychal Givens who was drafted in the second round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2009. It is no surprise that the team made it that far into the playoffs every year.

When the Tampa native made his decision for college, he chose Tampa based on the close proximity to home as well as the winning tradition. Going to all the games growing up didn't hurt either, as he became knowledgeable of the coaches and how they ran the team.

Even though Ramos is listed as an infielder, he plays a role on the team more similar to a utility player. Ramos stated, "I play anywhere they need me although I do like playing in the infield."

Ramos feels that his contributions to the team along with the raw talent the team possesses can take the Spartans far into the postseason. "I like the team. I think we have a real good shot at winning it all this year," said Ramos.

With baseball surrounding Ramos day in and day out, it certainly does not stunt his growth as a player. Ramos's three uncles have shown their support and continue to do so.

"They have been coming to all of my games as long as I can remember; they usually have advice for me after my games." The freshman said the best advice he ever got was, "the mental part of the game, forgetting that strikeout is so hard, but they taught me to move past it and worry about the rest of the game."

The Tampa native has a vision he would like to see unfold in his Spartan career. "I think we will be able to win the championship every year." As for his post collegiate career, he would like to graduate from Tampa and be drafted by a professional team. When asked what team he would love to play for he responded, "Yankees, no doubt, they have such great history and my uncle played for them."

He grew up basically brainwashed to root for the Yankees by his uncle John. Ramos's love for the Yankees has grown exponentially ever since they made Tampa their spring training home in 1996. If his dream were to become a reality, he would be close to home so his family would be able to see him play in the minors and during spring training.

Whether Ramos is aiding the Spartans in a championship run or putting on the pinstripes to help the Yankees win another World Series title in the future, certain aspects of his career will never change. "I dress the same way before every game, and I've been doing it for almost as long as I've been playing."

You can catch Ramos and the rest of the nationally ranked Spartans as they prepare to make a run at another Division II Championship. The Spartans' next home game is Friday as they host conference opponent Barry University at 6 p.m.

Written by Nicholas Twing