Ryan Jones faced a challenge when he required surgery to fix a broken hamate bone in his right wrist just as the playoffs were nearing. Initially, it seemed the St. Rita team would miss his presence for the remainder of the season. Jones, however, had other plans. He aimed to be ready for play if the Mustangs reached the state tournament, and managed to get back onto the field even sooner, ensuring their progress.
Jones expressed his determination, saying, “It feels great. Since my surgery, I wanted to get back and help the team any way I can. It feels awesome.” His determination paid off as he returned for the Class 3A Crestwood Supersectional, where he reached base three times, contributing a single and two walks in a 2-0 win over Nazareth.
Coach John Nee did hope Jones could return if the Mustangs advanced to state, but his appearance was an unexpected boost. Notably, Jones participated while still having his stitches in place. Coach Nee recounted, “He texted me Saturday asking if I’d be at St. Rita on Sunday because he thought he could take some swings. I cleared it with his dad. He was ready only 12 hours later.” Jones’ commitment to his team was clear. He played despite some pain, fueling his determination with the support of his teammates.
Throughout the season, Jones proved to be one of St. Rita’s leading hitters, boasting a team-best .473 batting average, along with 33 RBIs, 24 runs, and eight doubles. Additionally, he contributed on the mound with a 2-0 record and a 2.80 ERA over ten appearances. His return to the lineup kept spirits high among teammates, including Julio Gutierrez, who was thrilled to have another powerful hitter back. “Ryan’s back; it feels good having him in the lineup,” Gutierrez commented.
Jones overcame his initial disappointment from the injury and remained engaged with his team. “Despite not being able to practice fully, I enjoyed being with the guys,” he shared. “I made the most until I was ready to go.” Returning to a pivotal game was daunting, yet Jones seized the opportunity. “There was concern about my performance, but excitement about playing in front of a big crowd kept me motivated,” he said.
The Mustangs have now secured their fifth state trophy, the first since 2019. They are two wins away from a state championship. Jones noted, “I felt this coming at the start of the year. We have a shot, and now we just need to keep our bats hot and pitching strong.”