ARCHBALD, Pa. — “It's a mix of emotions. You're excited, you're anxious, you get nervous. You start thinking, what if I don't get called, what if this happens? But I'll tell you, as soon as you get that call, it's the biggest relief ever,” said Ryan.
Valley View standout outfielder, Ryan Cesarini, waited until the 14th round of the 2024 Major League Baseball draft to hear his name his called. A moment he and his family have dreamt of since he was a child.
“Literally we were sitting right here, and he sat in that chair and, day two, it was just dead silence. The TV was on, just waiting for his phone to ring. And when his phone finally rang, it was just ecstatic. And he didn't tell us what team, so we were just, like, hugging him. He said he was going to wait to let you guys be surprised,” said Lynn.
Ryan’s journey began in the outfield at Valley View High School. Earning All-Region honors as a senior, he was also named the Lackawanna League Division I Player of the Year and holds the 5th best career batting average in Valley View history. Playing in Lackawanna County led to multiple college offers, ultimately landing Cesarini at St. Joseph's University and now, the Cleveland Guardians organization.
“When it actually happens it’s hard to believe that it actually happened. It's a pretty amazing accomplishment,” said Rick. “Watching your kid's dreams come true is amazing,” Lynn added.
Ryan doesn’t know exactly where he will be and for how long, but for now he knows that his trek to The Show begins in Arizona.
“I think it won't settle in until I land in Arizona. I am in a new scenery with new people and new surroundings. But I'm looking forward to it and I'm up for it,” said Ryan.