PHOENIX — The MLB Draft Combine is back in Arizona for the second straight year and with it comes a plethora of talent.
One of those is hometown product and ASU catcher Ryan Campos.
"At the end of the day you just play ball," Campos said. "I mean, I will show what I can do and I am just fortunate to be here and to play with the best in the country."
The combine features 319 Draft prospects, including 193 collegiate players and 126 high school athletes, as well as a decorated group of former Major League Baseball players and coaches, members of Club baseball operations departments, scouting directors and other Club personnel.
Along for the ride was Ryan's family, Mom and Dad, who were keeping a close eye in the stands inside Chase Field, a moment his father Richard doesn't take for granted.
"It's a wonderful experience," Richard said. "He's worked hard and I am just grateful for the opportunity that he's given."
And what an opportunity it is, considering the career Campos has had up to this point. The junior has been as consistent as any catcher in the country in his three years in the Valley, reaching base in an absurd 137-of-147 career games and all but one game this season.
His .369 career batting average is 23rd among all active players and tops among all Division I catchers. He is currently 16th among all Sun Devil players in history that played at least two seasons with the program for career batting average.
Now, Campos is doing his best to represent the University and state as best he can on the biggest stage in his budding baseball career.
"I am very fortunate that I got to play for my dream school at ASU and trying to represent them the best I can," Campos said. "I have been fortunate so far for sure. "It's awesome. I got to sleep in my own bed last night, it's pretty cool. Again I credit my career for what has happened in Arizona so far, which I don't take for granted."
Regardless of the outcome for Campos, he said he is happy to do this in front of his family and take part in the next step of what hopefully is a long MLB career.
"They're my rock," Campos said. "I got everything from them and they told me to have fun and enjoy it. Sometimes I've been at fault and take moments like this too seriously, so I am just trying to enjoy it. It only happens once."
The Combine will last through Thursday while the MLB draft itself is planned for July 14-16 during All-Star Week in Texas. The Draft will feature 20 rounds across the three days.
Hopefully, it's a point in time when Campos hears his name called... leaving behind a decorated career as a Sun Devil.
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