With everything South Elgin graduate Ryan Weiss has gone through, one philosophy has become a constant.
“Living in the present is what it’s all about,” he said.
So when the 21-year-old Weiss was drafted in the fourth round Tuesday by the Arizona Diamondbacks, his thoughts weren’t about the future. He stayed in the present.
“Honestly, my reaction was to just smile and soak in the moment,” Weiss said. “I’m living a dream, not reality. I don’t even have the words for it over 24 hours later. I’m so blessed.”
Weiss, a redshirt sophomore at Wright State, was picked 129th overall. He’s the second player to be drafted in South Elgin program history.
Last year, Ryan Nutof went to the Cincinnati Reds in the 16th round out of Michigan. He’s a reliever for Class A Dayton in the Midwest League.
Considering the Kane County Cougars’ affiliation with the Diamondbacks, Weiss could end up soon in the Midwest League.
“Going that high and getting drafted, period, is an honor,” South Elgin coach Jim Kating said of Weiss. “But he put in the hard work. He’s gone through a lot of adversity. He’s kept his head up and worked hard. I cannot be more proud of him.”
On the field, Weiss has gone through his share of tough times. He came up as a freshman B catcher for the Storm. By his junior year, he was converted to pitcher and saw some action. He had a heavier workload as a senior.
The 6-foot-4 right-hander walked on at Wright State and missed his freshman season with a back injury. He has flourished the past two seasons, going 17-3 with a 2.80 ERA and striking out 172 in 186 2/3 innings. He was an all-conference pick both years.
“He’s only got 3 1/2 years on his arm and he’s only getting better,” Kating said. “I can’t tell you how much he’s improved. That’s the exciting part.”
Off the field, Weiss has endured tragedy in his family. His father died six years ago. Earlier this year, his mother died of a heart attack.
He was with his younger sister Rachel when he found out he was drafted.
“She was crying,” Weiss said. “All I can do is really smile and know that they’re looking down. A big part of it is that I had to grow up quicker than most 21-year-olds and realize there are bigger things. I have real stuff going on in my life.”
Weiss also has developed a relentless work ethic. Once he signs with the Diamondbacks, he’ll be ready to get go.
“I’m flying out to Arizona (Thursday),” Weiss said. “It’s starting to happen, which is pretty crazy. The idea is to eventually sign with them.
“It’s just crazy. You live your whole life and want to get drafted and play professional baseball. Seeing how that became a reality is a dream come true.”
Not only does he aim to succeed on the field, Weiss wants to help people.
“The biggest thing is using the platform that I’m able to have now and showcase that there are things going on in the world — suicide, people struggling to find their faith,” he said. “This is God’s plan for me, and I intend to cherish it and ride the wave.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
