Current Athlete Of The Week: Garner Ray

Whether it be football or baseball, whenever Garner Ray suits up for a game, regard for his body goes completely out the window. To Ray, there is only one way to play a sport, and that is with reckless abandon and doing whatever it takes to help his team win games.

“I’ve always been a physical player in all the sports I play,” Ray said. “No one likes to get hurt of course, but pain is temporary. Period. Amen. I think sacrificing your body and putting it on the line to make the play is a huge team morale booster. Eventually you will make your last play so why not go 110 percent every time.”

Ray, the Nantucket varsity baseball team’s second baseman, has been one of, if not the best player on the team all season. The senior is batting .434 this season out of the leadoff spot, has 16 stolen bases, 19 runs, and has played an excellent second base. Ray is this week’s Current Athlete of the Week.

Ray, like everyone else, missed his sophomore season after it was canceled due to COVID. Unfortunately, Ray also missed last season due to injury. When he stepped onto the field in March for the first time since 2018, it sparked some nerves he had to overcome.

“I was a little worried coming into this year but after the first week of practice I began to regain those fundamental skills I’ve been working on since little league,” he said. “It was fun reconnecting with my teammates on the field and getting back into our rhythm.”

Being unable to play baseball these past couple of springs was difficult for Ray. He has been a ballplayer for as long as he can remember. He said his memories playing the game go as far back as him being in his backyard playing wiffleball in a diaper with his Dad. As to what hooked him to the game, that answer isn’t entirely clear.

“I’m not exactly sure what got me hooked on baseball. I like challenges and baseball is one of the hardest sports out there,” he said.

Ray doesn’t like to talk about himself much, so when you talk to him about his team’s success as they ride a five-game winning streak into their matchup today against St. John Paul II, Ray quickly pivots to his teammates.

“Everyone’s been doing outstanding this year and they have all contributed in huge ways,” Ray said. “I’m thrilled to see our team turning this season around. It’s what we have been talking about since my freshman year; not wanting to be that one or two win ball club. We want to go out and show people that we’re sneaky like that and we can pull out victories. I think it’s been a great success for everyone this season and we’re all putting up good numbers. Don’t sleep on us.”

Ray said his team wouldn’t be where they are without head coach Jack Pearson and assistant coach Stefan Mandle. This is his first year playing under both coaches, who are both in the midst of their second season leading the program, but his familiarity with the duo dates back years.

“I’ve known them since I played for them in middle school,” Ray said. “They know their stuff about baseball. We wouldn’t have five wins in a row if it weren’t for them. Outside of baseball, I know that they would always have each of our backs and help us out or give us advice on something if we came to them. It doesn’t get any better than those two. My first varsity year playing under those two has been outstanding.”

Ray wants his team to finish this regular season out strong and go from there. They have three games remaining: at St. John Paul II today; at Mashpee on Thursday; and hosting Martha’s Vineyard on Saturday. The Whalers are 6-9 and could make the postseason if they win all three of their final games.