DUNEDIN, Fla – Reigning Midwest League MVP Ryan McBroom has his eyes set on an encore performance this year.
The six-foot-three, 230 pound first baseman, had an incredible season with the Lansing Lugnuts, the Jays single A affiliate. He hit .315, with 12 home runs and a whopping 90 RBIs during his MVP campaign.
While he clearly has the talent and work ethic to excel in all facets of the game, the Jays prospect says he believes his hard work this past off-season will lead to bigger and better things.
“This off-season I really focused on getting in the gym, getting stronger, and getting my body ready to play 140 games,” says McBroom.
He even considered playing winter ball before deciding to stay at home in order to work out and improve his game.
MVP Ryan McBroom working on his fielding during spring training.
Even though the West Virginia University graduate has worked hard to improve his game, he still feels that there are some areas that he needs to work on, specifically when it comes to being consistent on a daily basis.
“The one thing I’m trying to improve on this spring is consistency”, says McBroom. “Including, coming in each day and getting a routine, sticking to that routine, and then doing the same thing during the season.”
The Lansing slugger has also stressed the importance of taking more of a leadership role and guiding some of the younger players. This is due to his status as the league MVP.
“I’ve been around a little bit, I’ve played the game, I’ve seen a lot of things, and there’s a lot of young guys around,” McBroom says. “I try to show them the way, as well as show them how to work hard, get work done, but at the same time have a good time doing it.”
Despite his individual accomplishments, McBroom remains a team player. He emphasized that personal numbers are not that important to him and that his main focus is on the team and its overall success.
“I think the main goal is to just win a championship in whatever league I’m in,” says McBroom.
Twitter: @Thee_CurtMaGurt