The winning legacy of Earl Ryan del Socorro

EARL Ryan del Socorro is set to hang up his gloves as a baseball varsity scholar of the University of Mindanao when he graduates at the end of this school year.

He is leaving behind a winning legacy not just to his Alma Mater but also to the entire Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) in Davao Region, which he steered to three gold medal victories and two silver finishes in past Prisaa national finals. He served as pitcher in all these five sterling performances including the recent national championship where they beat Central Luzon, 3-1, for the gold at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

The 23-year-old graduating Criminology student also swept the most valuable player (MVP), best pitcher and best hitter awards in the just-concluded 2013 Games.

Ryan thanked his coaches, Joaquin "Boy" Sarabia and nephew Vincent Ryan Sarabia, for boosting his morale in the titular showdown against Central Luzon.

"Hapit nato mahuman ang dula, gitagaan ko go-signal ni Coach Boy nga ihurot na nako ang tanang klaseng bola. Kampante gyud ko nga madepensahan namo among titulo kay salig sad ko sa akong mga kauban (Coach Boy gave me the go-signal to use all my pitching styles. I was confident to defend our title with the help of my teammates)," Ryan said in a phone interview with this writer.

Ryan, who at eight learned the ropes of the sport through his elder brother Edmer, is not sure which road to take after graduation. Edmer had played in past Southeast Asian (SEA) Games as a national team member.

He said in the vernacular, "I really haven't given it much thought yet but Coach Boy wanted me to try out for the national team. I think I will give it a try."

Ryan cherishes every moment he spent with his team as he considers playing every game with his teammates memorable.

"Win or lose, our team is intact. We are united. We always have the support of our coach," Ryan shared.

He, however, urged his teammates to keep playing baseball and defend their Prisaa title next year.

To the Sarabia family, he said, "Thank you for teaching and training us. Thank you for your support. I hope that you continue helping other players like you have helped me."

Ryan may soon end a chapter in his life. As he starts a new one, may he continue to bring honor to our city and our region or better yet, give glory for the country.