Check Swing: Ryan Dos Santos Evolving into a Star
Photos By Craig Atkin - CAPS SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
This week’s Check Swing Column checks in with Toronto Maple Leafs outfielder Ryan Dos Santos, who first appeared in the league in 2019 and holds a lifetime .315 batting average.
Carlos Verde, theIBL.ca (CV): Ryan, thanks for taking the time. This is your fourth year of full-time play with the Leafs, you’re approaching vet status! Talk about your progression in the IBL, and your role on Toronto’s ballclub this year.
Ryan Dos Santos (RDS): It was a rollercoaster. Coming in as a young kid my goal was to learn from the pro guys. In 2019, that first year with Marcus Knecht, (Dustin) Richardson, those were two really inspirational guys. (Jordan) Castaldo, they all showed me what the routine was like.
My role’s changed now, where instead of learning from those guys I have to sort of show their teachings. Showing guys like Spenser Ross what it’s like to play here, the difference from college.
My job in the lead-off spot is to provide value by getting on base and scoring runs, not necessarily hitting homers and punching out a hundred times.
CV: You’ve been hot lately, with hits in four straight and three multi-hit games in that stretch. What’s worked for you lately?
RDS: Just hunting my pitch and being very patient at the plate. It doesn't matter if it's the fourth or first at-bat, I always have the same approach: Barrel to ball, not so much worrying about the end result. The more you focus on your plan, on finding barrels, the more results will come.
CV: What’s Ryan Dos Santos like away from the ballpark?
RDS: I’m from Mississauga, grew up down in the Port Credit/Lakeshore area and love to stay active. I like to play hockey, I’m always outdoors and on the move — I don’t hang around the house too much!
I have my baseball program, called Toasty, that’s all about staying level-headed and) teaching kids what I’ve learned throughout my time in the game. Building that brand, and showcasing to kids why I fell in love with the game and why they should love it as well is the bulk of what I’m up to.
CV: You’ve played with living IBL legends like Castaldo, Solazzo, etc. Could you foresee yourself sticking around the league as long as they have?
RDS: Absolutely, I’m going to play as long as I possibly can, whether it’s seven years, 10, or 15. My goal is to have a career, have a status like Castaldo, Solazzo, and Garton in Guelph. Seeing the careers they’ve had and their impact on the league — that’s what I want to do eventually.
CV: With ownership now in its second year, I want your quick thoughts on the vibe in Toronto and the entire organization. From a player’s perspective, what changes have you seen both with the Leafs and league-wide in places like Hamilton and Welland?
RDS: In Toronto, it’s a huge culture shift. Now we sell jerseys, you have opportunities for Left Field Brewery, more food and way more fans. When I started, it was just about the ballgame, with less music and in-game entertainment.
The new owners want it to be a full experience. We have fireworks on Friday! More activities and better fan engagement equal a better home-field advantage. They had a learning curve in Year 1, but they’re making the league a better place big time.
In Hamilton and Welland, they get their fans engaged so well with signings, getting neighbouring teams involved. In Barrie, the Baycats did an on-ice cup celebration with the Colts, creating that cross-over fan experience.
The league is evolving and quickly becoming a must-watch product, and honestly, I’m so grateful to be a part of it!