By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SAN BENITO — Sophomore Jordan Ramos has grown up around the game of softball and knowing what San Benito softball is all about.
When Ramos arrived to San Benito as a freshman, she sat behind Joanna Gonzalez, the starting catcher for San Benito last season. Ramos remained patient and watched and learned from Gonzalez.
One year later, Ramos stepped into the starting role at the catcher position and thrived in her second year as a Lady Greyhounds player.
“ A lot of us have played select ball together and have been able to make the transition from playing select ball to the varsity. This is what we were taught to do growing up, and that was getting ready for the varsity.”
With her strong sophomore season, Ramos was named the Valley Morning Star 2019 ALL-STAR Softball Offensive Player of the Year.
“ Coach (Denise) Lira told me the news at our team barbecue, and I was just shocked and excited that I was able to win this award,” she said. “I was confused at first, I wasn’t sure what the award meant, and I knew I had a great year, but for me to get recognized by it is special.”
Ramos batted in the middle of the Lady ’Hounds’ order and provided plenty of pop. The hard-hitting righty hit .457 with eight homers, 48 RBIs and 43 hits.
“ I understood that there is always pressure, but it is OK to make a mistake, you just have to shake it off,” Ramos said. “You just need to go out there and do your thing, someone is always watching you and cheering for you, and they are always looking at you, making sure you are doing your job.”
Ramos quickly meshed with freshman Jaelyn Huerta. The two provided San Benito a strong 1-2 punch in the heart of the lineup. Huerta hit .432 with 11 homers and 32 hits, driving in 31 runs.
“ My approach is hit middle away, that is what I was taught,” Ramos said. “I just take a deep breath, and if I just do everything I do in practice I will be fine.”