Staff Report

The Ocean City High baseball team is known for having great pitching, seemingly year after year. From the likes of Sean Mooney to Josh Arnold, Gannon Brady, Tom Finnegan — the list goes on and on for decades.

Part of the reason the Red Raiders have been so successful on the mound is because of who has been behind the dish. Guys like Jeremy West, Isaac Robertson and Jack Perry had solid careers wearing the red jersey, and the latest really good catcher the Raiders have had is Ryan Baldwin, who’s been manning the position the past two years.

“Baldy”, as he’s affectionately known as among teammates and fans, took a huge leap offensively as a senior this spring, boosting his average from .261 as a junior to .395 this year. He improved in nearly every offensive category, finishing the season with a career-high 32 hits as well as seven runs scored, 13 RBIs and 16 walks. Baldy finished his career with an even 50 hits, batting .333, while adding 35 RBIs and 30 walks.

His best game this season came in a 10-1 win over Washington Township in mid-April when he went 3-for-5 with a run scored, three RBIs and the only home run of his career. He had multiple hits in 10 games this season, and helped lead the Red Raiders to playoff victories over Cherry Hill West and rival Mainland Regional — the No. 1 seed in the South Jersey Group 3 tournament.

Baldwin, who plans to continue his career at Bridgeport (Conn.) University, was a four-year scholar athlete, a first-team Press of Atlantic City all-star and a team captain. He’s also volunteered his time teaching catching skills to youth players the last two years and is active in photo journalism.

“Baldwin was as steady as they come. He was the most consistent player all year. He was our leadoff hitter and set the table on multiple occasions, leading our team in hits,” said Raiders head coach Andrew Bristol. “I am so glad I got to coach him. He was one of the hardest workers I have ever coached. He’s going to have a bright future playing at Bridgeport.”

— Dave O’Sullivan, Staff Writer