A prospective business major, Vernon Hills senior Devin Ratajczyk wasn’t going to let this opportunity go for naught.
Ratajczyk entered this season with the inside track to be the Cougars’ starting shortstop. But after he was given the unofficial nod during the offseason, he promised himself he’d do everything in his power to earn the job and not give it up.
“Shortstop is a big job, and even though I was the next guy in line, I was going to work for it and keep improving,” Ratajczyk said. “I was definitely eager and excited but knew I’d have to focus on the little details so that when I got the opportunity, I would produce.”
Even better, Ratajczyk emerged as one of the primary reasons the Cougars (18-9-1, 11-3), after three straight losing seasons, remained in contention for the Central Suburban League North title until losses to champion Highland Park this week.
“On defense, he’s basically been automatic,” Vernon Hills senior catcher Connor Brockway said. “Whenever he gets the ball, it’s an out.
“He’s always been a really athletic kid. He knew that he had a big role to fill, so it’s been cool to see him perform this well.”
The 6-foot, 175-pound Ratajczyk has also fit comfortably in the third spot in a lineup that is short on pop but gives opposing pitchers little chance of getting comfortable. He entered the week batting .351 with a .963 OPS, a team-high three triples, six doubles and 14 RBIs.
“The coaches have really worked with us on playing small ball, especially in tight games,” Ratajczyk said. “I’m always thinking about what I’m going to do once I get on base. Even if it’s a ball in the dirt, I’m going to find my way to second and third, and late in games, if I’m on first, I know I have to find a way to get home.”
Thriving at those little things, Ratajczyk has made a significant impact.
“He’s been ‘Mr. Reliable’ on the bases, in the field and at the plate,” Vernon Hills coach Pasquale Atteo said. “He’s so even-keeled, and he goes about his business the right way. His demeanor goes a long way in him playing that position the way he is, and his overall approach is ingrained in him without us having to coach that.”
In particular, the Vernon Hills’ coaching staff saw signs during the offseason that Ratajczyk, who also plays football, would be a different hitter.
“He put on a ton of muscle in the offseason,” Atteo said. “When he barrels a baseball now, it can really roll. Even in the cages before the season, he was consistently hitting the middle-top of the ball into the screens.”
Hitting the ball with more conviction will never go out of style, and Ratajczyk’s strength work has also helped him withstand the grind of a long season.
“I’ve definitely been hitting balls harder,” he said. “I’ve been going to the opposite field, finding gaps, making hard contact. I’ve gotten into a good rhythm.”
The season didn’t begin that way for Ratajczyk.
“The start of the season wasn’t that great for me,” he said. “I was a little inconsistent in the field, and I was seeing good pitches but not putting barrels on the ball. But a couple of times after rough games, I reminded myself that there’s a new game tomorrow. The coaches kept telling me to keep my head up.
“Once you get a negative thought, there’s where it all goes wrong, and I feel like the last couple of weeks have been really clean.”
The past couple of weeks have been interesting for Ratajczyk off the field too. He attended the national leadership conference that the Business Professionals of America held last week in Nashville, Tennessee.
“My two partners and I, we got second in state for a news broadcast that we produced,” Ratajczyk said. “It was a three-minute video with different segments, including one on the weather. The focus was on the power of volunteering.”
Ratajczyk, who will attend Michigan State, has displayed the power to come through when the Cougars need him.
“I’ve been able to show my determination and grit, always going out and giving my best,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity that coach has given me, and I’m staying humble. I’m still keeping my head down and working hard. But I’m playing some of the best baseball of my career, and it feels good.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
