By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey

As we continue to shape-the-state here in New Jersey, several different unique features will be available on our website. Player Spotlights, Progress Reports, Scouting Blogs, Rankings and Top-Performer Lists, and so much more. Without the players we have nothing, so let’s take this a bit more personal - Get To Know: Our new article feature that hones in on what our Garden State players are up to, what makes them tick, and some real-candid inside access...  

Name: Ryan McLinskey
High School: Don Bosco
Position: RHP
Grad Year: 2017
State Rank: 18
Commitment: Seton Hall

PBR: Let's start with your baseball commitment to Seton Hall. Tell us about the decision-making process? How excited are you to play in the Big East?

McLinskey: The recruiting process really heated up for me at the beginning of the summer. I was being looked at by several schools at the Underclass Games, Selectfest, and then lastly at the P.G. Tournament in Georgia. Some of the schools I was talking to were Seton Hall, St. John's, Old Dominion, Virginia Tech, and Rhode Island. After talking it over with my family, and coaches, I decided Seton Hall had the best fit of academics, coaching, and baseball for me.

PBR: Baseball has an unbelievable way of positively shaping young man on and off the field. Tell us one life-lesson you have picked up over the years playing the game, and how that life-lesson may impact you later in life? 

McLinskey: One lesson I have learned from baseball is how to respond to adversity. Whether it is life in general or baseball, there will always be adversity - however, what defines you as a person is how you respond to it.

PBR:  If you were a baseball scout and just watched yourself play, what would that scouting report look like?

McLinskey:  My scouting report would most likely be a competitive, athletic pitcher with solid velocity and a pretty good curveball.

PBR: We are knee-deep into the off-season schedule. Tell us about your training, and spring preparation. 

McLinskey: During the baseball offseason, I also play hockey for Don Bosco. However, I work out around three to four times per week at RPP and also throw with the Pitching Lab staff there.

PBR: If you could only pick one, who would be your biggest baseball influence and why? 

McLinskey: My biggest baseball influence would have to be my dad. He has always supported me since I first started playing. The amount of time he has sacrificed for me to play baseball is crazy.

PBR: Name three goals for the upcoming 2017 season.

McLinskey:
1. Win a County Championship
2. Win a State Championship
3. Continue to get better as a player and make others around me better as well.

PBR: Who is the best player you have played against in your high school career so far?  

McLinskey:  The best player I have played against in my high school career would have to be (2017 RHP) Nick Storz (Poly Prep HS, NY - Louisiana State recruit).

PBR: Do you have any pregame superstitions? 

McLinskey: I always wear the same 3/4 shirt under my jersey when I pitch and then of course, never step on the line.

PBR: What would be your best walk out song?

McLinksey: My best walkout song would have to be "May We All" by Florida Georgia Line. 

Recent Headlines