By Michael Pittinger
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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Ashburn (February 11, 2017) — Broad Run High School senior Matthew Ritchie has decided to continue his baseball career at Johns Hopkins University starting in the 2017-18 school year.
“I chose Johns Hopkins after considering two Division I offers because I wanted the opportunity to receive a top-notch education and play baseball in a competitive college program,” the 5-foot-7 Ritchie said. “The combination of Johns Hopkins’ academic excellence and its very successful Division III baseball program will provide me the same balance in college like I had at Broad Run and the Academy of Science.”
The Spartans and Rawlings C5T Elite middle infielder has always enjoyed playing baseball and appreciates that his parents supported him.
“Baseball has been a part of my life since I started tee ball at 4-years-old,” Ritchie said. “My dad was my first coach and my parents always supported my interest in baseball. I’ve played every season, fall and spring, for 14 years and a life without baseball for me would be tough to comprehend.”
The Division III Blue Jays are coached by Bob Babb – who will be entering his 39th season at the helm of the baseball program in 2017. Ritchie looks to help Johns Hopkins continue its winning ways after they won 28 games in 2016.
“I think that I will add a new level of hustle to the Blue Jays team. As a player, I give my all in every practice and game to earn the privilege to be on the field,” Ritchie said. “I want to bring that same work ethic to Johns Hopkins and whenever I have the opportunity to take the field, I will give the team 110-percent effort every time.”
Ritchie felt relieved to be committed to college and being able to continue his academic and athletic career for the Blue Jays.
“It is a great accomplishment. It feels like I’m taking the next step to achieving my goals. It’s a relief to have the decision made,” Ritchie said. “I also feel validated knowing that a college wants me to play baseball for them. I know that I will always have work to do and I look forward to getting better as a member of the Blue Jays. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue playing baseball at Johns Hopkins.”
Ritchie is grateful that he had the opportunity to play at Broad Run. He hopes to help lead the Spartans to a deep playoff run this season and finish high school with a memorable senior season.
“It has been great. I earned every opportunity I had to play with Broad Run,” Ritchie said. “From day one, I’ve grown in the program under coach Cassidy and coach Meier. I approached each practice and game as a learning experience. I’m proud to be a Spartan and represent the school to the best of my abilities every time I’m out on the field.”
