W’boro in control

By Corine Gatti The News Virginian
Published: July 29, 2008

It’s Chili at first base.
That’s the nickname the Generals’ Ryan Adams hears from fans when he takes the field.
He doesn’t mind it.
The nickname came from Adams’ little league days in North Carolina — his former youth coach would often witness Adams with a hot dog or a chilidog in hand.
But baseball, not hot dogs, is his first love, and he has enjoyed the last two seasons in a Generals uniform.
It did not come easy.
At first, Adams was just another player vying for a roster spot. Then he got his first start as a designated hitter in the 2007 season.
“Anyone can hit, but I knew if I could prove that I can field, I would not just DH,” Adams said. “If I want to move forward, you have to be a solid fielder. There are tons of players that can bat.”
The Generals started their second run for the VBL title on Tuesday, playing Haymarket in a best-of-three series. Adams walked three times, scored twice and hit a double in Waynesboro’s 4-1 win.
Adams boasted a .982 fielding percentage and was hitting .268 in the regular season.
“I love to play first base,” Adams, said. “Playing consistently makes all the difference. It does not matter if it’s fielding or hitting. You want to do well in anything you do.”
It took some time for Adams to adjust to summer ball, but the hard work did not deter him.
“Well, it’s always a lot of work, but feeling comfortable is important, and I am. It’s so much more relaxed here than playing at home or in college,” Adams said. “I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else. In summer ball you got good quality people there in every position. You still gotta perform and do your thing and concentrate, and relax.”
It didn’t take long for Adams to re-sign with the Generals for the ’08 season
“That kid did not waste time,” Nesselrodt said. “After his team [Marshall University] lost in the first-round of the NCAA tournament, his car was packed to get down here. Determination and passion is something you want to see in a player. Ryan has really blossomed into a good player and a big part of our team. He is someone you want to return every season. He couldn’t get here fast enough.”
During the Generals’ first-round matchup with Haymarket, Adams is trying to keep things hot at first base.
“When you have come this far, you want to win it all,” Adams said. “You don’t want to slow down now.”