Middletown’s decade long connection to Delaware State University’s baseball program will continue into next season, since Blue Hen Conference player of the year Ryan Haas has committed to play for the Division I program in Dover.
Haas, a two-time first team all-state pick from Middletown High, joins a line of local alumni that headed to DelState, including Scott Martin (2000-03), Matt Keen (2003-05) and Josh Schmidt (2006-09). The Hornets head coach is JP Blandin, who played his high school ball at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown.
DSU must replace 11 seniors from last year’s team, and Haas has the opportunity to play immediately. He hits and throws lefthanded, and can play first base or pitch.
“Ryan is one of the top hitters in the state, if not the top,” Blandin said. “He already has a very collegiate approach to hitting, which means he isn’t afraid to go the other way. He has a feel to hit the ball where it’s pitched.
“He also has a left-handed bat, which any coach wants at least a couple of in the lineup.”
Blandin said he wants Haas to get immediate at-bats, which could facilitate a move to a corner outfield position if needed. The coach is waiting to evaluate everyone on the roster during the six-week fall workout sessions.
“Ryan is a good athlete, and is capable of adapting to something new,” Blandin said. “As with everyone else, we’ll see how things go in the fall and evaluate what the options are.”
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Middletown’s decade long connection to Delaware State University’s baseball program will continue into next season, since Blue Hen Conference player of the year Ryan Haas has committed to play for the Division I program in Dover.
Haas, a two-time first team all-state pick from Middletown High, joins a line of local alumni that headed to DelState, including Scott Martin (2000-03), Matt Keen (2003-05) and Josh Schmidt (2006-09). The Hornets head coach is JP Blandin, who played his high school ball at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown.
DSU must replace 11 seniors from last year’s team, and Haas has the opportunity to play immediately. He hits and throws lefthanded, and can play first base or pitch.
“Ryan is one of the top hitters in the state, if not the top,” Blandin said. “He already has a very collegiate approach to hitting, which means he isn’t afraid to go the other way. He has a feel to hit the ball where it’s pitched.
“He also has a left-handed bat, which any coach wants at least a couple of in the lineup.”
Blandin said he wants Haas to get immediate at-bats, which could facilitate a move to a corner outfield position if needed. The coach is waiting to evaluate everyone on the roster during the six-week fall workout sessions.
“Ryan is a good athlete, and is capable of adapting to something new,” Blandin said. “As with everyone else, we’ll see how things go in the fall and evaluate what the options are.”
