March 28, 2023

By: Andrew Stuetz

Centennial Sports Journalism

Dunedin, Fla. – Shortstop Ryan McCarty is playing for his three most meaningful things: Christ, his family, and to win.

The 2022 free agent signing with the Toronto Blue Jays organization has been using the trio as motivation since middle school, while also playing baseball as it should be.

“For me, [baseball] is meant to be played hard and with 100 per cent effort,” McCarty said outside the Blue Jays player complex in Dunedin. “I think it’s the greatest game because of how much failure is involved with it and how successful you can still be with all the failure.

“I think it brings out a lot of great character in people and, down the road, the more humbling you can be – it can be. Just giving it all your effort, every day, is what it’s meant to me.”

McCarty had a historic finish to his Penn State Abington career that saw the 23-year-old win 2022 Division III Player of the Year.

He led in several offensive categories, including batting average (.529), slugging percentage (1.164), and RBIs (91), while finishing second nationally in hits, doubles, runs, and on-base percentage.

Also appearing in 13-games on the mound, the dual-threat would work just over 26 innings, strike out 21 batters, and post a 4-2 overall record with four saves last year.

The Yardley, Pa., native recognizes the opportunities to find success start with life off the field.

“My family has raised me and given me such an amazing life,” said McCarty. “That’s why I dedicate everything [I do] for them.”

Despite his offensive numbers and abilities with the baseball, it’s his deep connection with his faith that he gives thanks to for his successes so far.

“I think playing in Christ ultimately starts with remembering that he died for our sins,” McCarty said. “I think the love of Christ can change a lot of people’s lives and how they feel on a daily basis.

“It really puts into perspective what you can do with your life and how special it is. I’m doing it for the representation of him and trying to spread that message of how much love there is, and what he’s done in my life.”