The Sun Devils played a Halloween scrimmage this week at Packard Stadium, and each player dressed up in a costume of their choice. (Photo by Dominic Valente)ASU baseball sophomore pitcher Ryan Burr made quite an impact his freshman year donning the maroon and gold. Burr finished with a 2.20 ERA and recorded 12 saves, breaking the school’s freshman save record. The Highlands Ranch, Colo., native was named a freshman All-American and was selected to compete for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team alongside Sun Devil head coach Tim Esmay this summer. Burr recorded six saves for the red, white and blue, which tied the team record. The State Press caught up with Burr at the Sun Devils’ annual Halloween scrimmage to discuss his time with the USCNT, the possibility of moving to the starting rotation and the scrimmage.
State Press: What was it like to spend the summer with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team?
Ryan Burr: It was amazing, so much fun. I’m just glad to have had the opportunity, especially with having coach Esmay with us. I’m just truly blessed to have that opportunity, and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.
SP: What was your favorite moment? What stood out to you this summer?
RB: Japan. The most fun part was just taking in the culture over there. Obviously, it’s a totally different world. When we came back, we swept Cuba, which was the most fun I’ve had playing baseball. Just to wear your country’s name on your chest is unlike anything else I’ve done baseball-wise.
SP: There’s been talk about moving you to the starting rotation. Where are you more comfortable, and how do you feel about potentially moving to a starting role?
RB: I’m just going to do whatever the coaches ask me to do. Obviously, there are differences, but at the same time you have to throw the ball 60 feet, six inches to get people out, so I’m just looking forward to going out and pitch.
SP: The Halloween scrimmage kind of sets the preseason in motion. These next three months before the regular season are going to fly by, right?
RB: It’s definitely a point that we look forward to all during the fall. You know, you get to the Halloween game then you get to Thanksgiving, and then there’s only two months to go. We are trying to live one day at a time, but this is obviously a milestone for us.
SP: What’s your costume? It looks like a mish-mash of an Army soldier.
RB: Well, I originally wanted to be something else, but I went to the costume store, and they didn’t have it. This was the only thing that was going to fit and it’s hard to tell because this isn’t on camera, but it’s a little short. It didn’t work out too well.
SP: So it’s safe to say that last year’s Teletubby costume was better?
RB: Oh yeah. I had a lot more time to prepare for that, though. I kind of rushed it this time and waited too long. I think next year I’m going to step it up and find a real game changer.
SP: Who’s got the best costume other than yourself?
RB: I’m looking at Coach Bordes right now, and I think he’s Mickey Mouse or something. Also, Ryan Kellogg’s outfit. You have to get a picture of him. He looks exactly like Napoleon Dynamite right now. It’s kind of creepy.
Reach the reporter at dsshapi1@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @DsShapi
