Last year’s Dutch Hoofdklasse MVP and best pitcher Ryan Murphy with the Konica Minolta Pioniers joins the Czech Extraleague and its current second-ranked team Technika Brno. The 28-year-old Canadian right-hander had played in the Australian Claxton Shield during the winter and then had signed with a Chinese Professional Baseball League club but was released after just one start. Jakub Janda talked with Murphy about his upcoming time in the Czech Republic.
Jakub Janda: Ryan, apparently you are joining the Technika Brno squad. Since you are the 2009 Hoofdklasse MVP and Best pitcher, why do you move that way?
Ryan Murphy: I’ve had a lot of fun playing in Holland, but I felt like it was time for something new and every time that I’ve been to Czech travelling or visiting friends I’ve always enjoyed myself.
JJ: What are your 2010 season plans and goals?
RM: Most baseball people in Europe know that Draci has dominated in the Czech Extraleague for over a decade, and to knock them off is my number one goal. Also I want to prepare for the return of the Australian Baseball League that I’m hoping to be a part of for the winter months.
JJ: In the past you have met several Czech ballplayers. Do you remember which and chat were you thoughts on them?
RM: There are too many players to name all of them. I’ve played with and against guys in Holland, and I’ve made a lot of friends in my travels. I spent a lot of time training and playing with my good friend Jan Rehacek last season and every time I’ve visited Olomouc, Skokani lets me stay at the field and I hang out with the players.
JJ: How has your Taiwan stint been?
RM: My experience in Taiwan was both positive and negative. It was very disappointing to be released, but I learned a lot about myself as a pitcher. Asian players have a very different style of hitting, and though the results from my ‘only’ start in the regular season didn’t show it, I feel like I made some really good adjustments in spring training, and even surprised myself a little.
JJ: You are 29 right now. How do you see your future career?
RM: I’m actually 28, and I’m not in any hurry to retire. I’m enjoying what I’m doing, and so long as I stay healthy I would like to make another run at playing in Taiwan. I will have wait until 2012 due to league regulations, but I’m in no hurry.
JJ: Since you are playing professional ball for quite a few years, how would you describe briefly you ball-career?
RM: A lot of hard work and luck. I’ve been able to play as long as I have because I’ve gotten better every year, and I’ve stayed dedicated to what I was doing. Also, there have been some instances where I’ve been in the right place at the right time.
JJ: What has baseball given and taken away from you?
RM: It has given me a good and exciting life, although it has forced me to be away from my friends and family at home, but I stay in close contact with my family and they are very supportive so it makes things a lot easier. I would say it’s a good trade.
Mister-Baseball thanks Jakub Janda and Ryan Murphy for the interview.
Photo: © Ron Wickert, www.eott.nl