THE CATCHER’S MITT: No Offseason for Ryan Dent in the MiLB

Posted February 19, 2013 by Desiree Christine in Articles

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Some people believe there are four seasons; Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter. Baseball fans believe in two; season and offseason. For baseball players there’s no such thing. Just because the last recorded out may have been in September or October, these players have been working just as hard the entire “offseason.” MiLB players use the offseason as their best effort to reach the next level.

They’re all here for one reason, to get to The Show…and stay there.

Some of these prospects in the minor leagues really stand out with how much work they put in to achieve their dream. Red Sox Prospect Ryan Dent is one of them. Drafted in the 1^st round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA, 23-year old Dent has spent 6 seasons in the BoSox farm system, reaching the Triple-A level most recently in the 2012 season.

March 1^st is the day Dent is scheduled to arrive at camp for the 2013 season, however he has already been in Ft. Myers, FL almost a month early.

Dent explained,

“I do this to show the organization I’m dedicated and to try and get a head start on other players. After all, this is a job as well as my dream. I refuse to be outworked.”

Not only has Dent reported early to camp, he spent his entire offseason working hard every single day to improve in every way he could. Waking up around 8am every day, Dent was in the cages by 9am improving on drills and cage work until lunch. After lunch Dent would spend the afternoon at the ballpark throwing and taking grounders followed by working out at the gym. After dinner, Ryan would be off to another late night cage session. Then he’d sleep, and repeat. Every single day. Considering some of us struggle to hit the gym a few times a week, this is quite an example of dedication.

Dent is a natural athlete, but that doesn’t mean he can’t keep improving. At the end of every season measuring his strengths and weaknesses, Dent plans his offseason attacking all of his weaknesses to become a complete ball player. “I use and watch a lot of video of me as well as top players in the league to try and pinpoint areas I need to improve.” This offseason Dent focused on speed. He told me, “This year I have big expectations. I’m at a point where I feel like I should be putting things together and be able to contribute to the big league team. Whether it’s with the Red Sox or someone else I expect myself to be getting called up soon.” Ryan also explained that his mindset of always finding a way to work harder is one of the reasons he is so active in the offseason.

Being in the Red Sox system, especially at second base, Dent is in the depths behind Dustin Pedroia, which can be quite intimidating. However he doesn’t think that way.

“It’s an honor. I have so many great players to look up to and learn from. To play at the highest level for one of the top teams in the game; well there’s got to be nothing better.”

With high expectations this season, we should see Ryan Dent up with an MLB team in the near future. His hard work directs him towards nothing but success. Dent told me “I’m addicted to success! I crave it! That’s what motivates me. I want to be the best and I want to beat the best. That’s what it’s all about.” Ryan Dent is quite the motivational ball player. Follow him on twitter (@RDdeucess) and you will see just how dedicated he is to his dream, which also happens to be his job. Pretty sweet gig if you ask me.

(Photo Credit: Jillian Souza/Pawtucket Red Sox)

Written by Desiree Christine, (@deejayydezz) on Twitter!