April 10, 2011
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By Marc Daniels
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - When teammate Darnell Sweeney drilled a two-run double with two outs in the top of the ninth in Gainesville against the Florida Gators last week, Ronnie Richardson knew what was next. He would take the mound and try and save one of UCF's biggest wins of the season and one of the biggest games in his UCF career.
The smallest player on the field was on a big stage with a chance to shine. At 5-foot-7, Richardson is not an imposing closer with rock music blasting as he enters from the bullpen. Not called on much to pitch in his time at UCF, Richardson came in and retired the side, including a game ending strikeout. But for Richardson, he was just doing what he does.
"I just love to compete and I was excited to get out there and help my team," said Richardson. "It was a great feeling to be a part of a great win like that."
Whether Richardson is playing centerfield or batting first, second, third or fourth, he does his part to be one of the leaders on the UCF baseball team and his way of playing the game is something his coach wishes he could bottle.
"Guys like Ronnie are hard to find, because they come to the ballpark wanting to get better and do whatever is asked to win," said Terry Rooney. "We know Ronnie was an outstanding pitcher in high school and we know if we need him from the bullpen he can get the job done. He is a big part of what we are doing at UCF."
Being a part of what is being done at UCF is something the sophomore from Eagle Lake, Fla., takes tremendous pride in.
"I could have played at a place like Miami or Florida, but I wanted to be a Knight and get this team back to the NCAAs and get to the College World Series," said Richardson. "Coach Rooney has a vision for us to get to Omaha and I wanted to be part of something that is being built."
Richardson has built himself into one of UCF's best players. But baseball was one of many sports Richardson played growing up.
"I played football and basketball, but I didn't like getting hit and I loved basketball but at some point I was not tall enough," said Richardson. "Baseball was my passion."
Following a decorated career at Lake Region High School, Richardson was chosen in the 11th round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins. He chose college over pro ball and has become one of the most exciting players in Conference USA.
Ask Richardson who he likes to emulate from the Major Leagues and he is quick to provide an answer.
"I love to watch Derek Jeter," said Richardson. "He comes to work every day and does his job and does it well and never gets into trouble and is known as a leader on and off the field."
When on the field, Richardson roams the outfield tracking down balls with ease making the difficult play look routine. But even Richardson admits there is lots of a time to kill some 330 feet from home plate during games. So how does he make time fly by out there?
"I sing to myself," said Richardson. "Or I talk with my fellow outfielders."
When not tracking down fly balls, you might find Richardson stealing bases, which he does well. But even one of UCF's fastest players admitted he would lose a race against his head coach when Rooney storms from the dugout to argue a call.
"Hands down. He wins," said Richardson. "I get a kick out of how fast he is when he wants to make his point to the ump but I love it because we know he always has our back."
Which is exactly how most of his teammates feel about him. Richardson never uses his height, or lack of, as motivation to play better or have a chip on his shoulder. Instead, he is just who he is.
"It never bothers me when I'm out on the field," said Richardson. "I just love to play and love to battle against the best and if you give your best effort, it doesn't matter how big you are."
And with that, it's easy to understand that Richardson stands tall against anyone on the field and off.
Knights notes and more: UCF football scrimmaged this past Saturday inside Bright House Networks Stadium in preparation for the annual Spring Game this weekend. One Knight who stood out on the defense side was end Troy Davis. The junior from Lawrenceville, Ga., had a solid season last year and has been dominant this spring. "He is a very good football player and has been outstanding this spring," said George O'Leary. Another defensive end to watch is LeBranden Richardson. The redshirt freshman, and high school teammate of Jeff Godfrey at Miami Central, shined big in Saturday's scrimmage and seems have the speed and power to be a factor...J.J. Worton's broken ankle is a blow to the receivers because he was catching everything thrown his way this spring. UCF is hopeful Worton will be ready when camp opens in August...Brynn Harvey looks more like Brynn Harvey as spring practice concludes. He has run better the last two weeks and seems to be working his way back up the depth chart...Radio coverage of the Spring Game begins at 1:45 p.m. Saturday...Final note: Recently while I was lost driving somewhere in the middle of nowhere, the lady inside my mobile phone that talks said my GPS signal was weak. She repeated to say that many times. Isn't the purpose of the GPS system to help me find my way when I am lost? And I truly felt the lady inside the phone was mocking me when she then said "route cannot be found, turn back."
Marc Daniels' From the Press Box runs several times per month on UCFAthletics.com. Listen to Marc during UCF football, men's basketball and baseball radio broadcasts on the UCF Sports Network. Each weekday, Marc hosts The Beat of Sports on ESPN Radio 1080 in Orlando.