Independence, determination open baseball world to Garko

Ryan Garko may be from the Los Angeles area, but he has an independent spirit comparable to any Alaskan’s.

Like most aspiring players, he got his start at a young age.   Ryan started at six, but by high school the fun of a sport had turned into a passion. That’s when he started working out six days a week in the batting cages, perfecting his swing from the right side of the plate.

Coming to Fairbanks at the direction of his Stanford coaches was no mistake, as it gives the sophomore the perfect opportunity to better his game.

"The whole day is baseball," he said. "You’re immersed in baseball. That’s why I came."

Chosen by Baseball America as No. 45 of the top 100 high school prospects last year, Garko accompanied the Stanford Cardinal to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. in June. Since joining the Goldpanners in time for the Alaska League opener against the Mat-Su Miners, Garko has been a fiery force for the team, batting .333 as of 2 home runs by midseason.

"Part of summer ball is to make adjustments on your own," Garko explained, crediting Field Manager Dan Cowgill for his laid-back style. "I can ask any of the coaches for help, but they let just let us play." The Panners’ first baseman said he spends considerable time working with Coach Jack Wickersham down the right field line.

Even during the tough losses, this team refuses to give up. Garko pointed out that a good baseball player will always "try to have a good day every day. You never don’t take an at-bat seriously.

"I want to succeed for myself and be successful."

Accustomed to the fast-paced lifestyle of Southern California and to the challenge of playing college baseball at Stanford, Garko has discovered the less-touched areas of the country this year, in his travels both to Nebraska and Alaska.

"It’s a slower life here," Garko said. "Omaha is a lot like Alaska. The people really nice."

"The drive to Kenai, the beautiful scenery in Alaska, that’s what I’m going to go home and tell people about," he said.

Garko is eager to add another World Series trip to his baseball resume as the Goldpanners strive to start off the new decade with a championship season. With Garko’s determination in the field and deadly bat in the lineup, they’re sure to make some noise throughout the Alaska League—and beyond.

Michelle Eastty