Ben Ruta's Staten Island Homecoming

  Pulaski Yankees outfielder Ben Ruta was recently promoted to the Staten Island Yankees, a natural fit for the New Jersey native who grew up playing at Richmond County Bank Ballpark.

     Ruta comes from an Italian family that has a deep love for all things soccer.

     "My dad was born in Italy. My sister played college soccer at Alabama so definitely a soccer family," Ruta said. "My favorite team is AC Milan and my dad's is Napoli. I played center mid-field in high school. I just kind of ventured towards baseball and they let me switch over."

     He found his love of the game playing with other neighborhood kids. When his family saw his enthusiasm, they went into support mode.

     "I just played one day playing in the backyard like stick ball and throwing the ball against the wall. My parents saw that I loved it and bought me all the stuff for it," Ruta said. "We learned the game together. They have been a huge support system. They let me pursue anything I wanted to and always encouraged me to work my hardest at it."

     His hard work attracted the attention of several top colleges.

     "I had two division one offers and it was between Wagner and Monmouth. I just ventured to Wagner. I liked what they had to offer and the coach fit what I was looking for."

     Wagner College's baseball program plays games at Richmond County Bank Ballpark which Ruta said he enjoyed.

     "I always say from what I hear, it's either the best of second best view in college baseball behind Pepperdine in California which is in Malibu," Ruta said. "I just think you can't beat it. I love New York City so it's cool doing the national anthem every day and looking at the skyline and all of the boats going by."

     Ruta also took part in the Yankees' draft workouts last year, which was held at Richmond County Bank Ballpark. After he wasn't selected last season, Ruta said he focused on the future.

     "At first it was a disappointment but it quickly turned into a goal. I didn't want to have that feeling again the next year. It definitely drove me to work harder."

     He returned to the draft workout again this season with that goal in mind.

     "The workouts were at the Staten Island Yankees stadium so I felt pretty comfortable there. Basically you go and run, hit, throw, and play a simulated game and I was just fortunate enough to do well there."

     He was drafted by the Yankees in the 30th round and got the call while he was playing in the Cape Cod League. He said him and his family couldn't have been more thrilled, especially since it was the Yankees.

     "It's definitely a huge honor. I grew up a Yankees fan and went to games at both the old and new Yankee stadium with my dad and uncles. If I could pick anyone, I would have said the Yankees," Ruta said. "My family was extremely happy. They didn't care what team I got picked by. They just wanted my dream to come true and for me to get the opportunity. It's just a cool feeling for all of us."

     Ruta played in 13 games for Pulaski posting a .283 batting average while slugging .413 before earning the promotion to Staten Island. And for Ruta, it's not only a homecoming and a step up the baseball ladder, but a golden opportunity to accomplish his personal goals for the season.

     "My main goal is just to polish my skills and become as consistent of a player that I can be day in and day out. I want to become someone that can be relied on for good at-bats every day, solid fielding, and good baserunning. The rest will take care of itself."