Meet Huntington Beach baseball player Ralph Velazquez
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — As defined by Webster’s Dictionary, the word “carom,” when used as a verb, means “to strike and rebound.” As an adjective, it can be used to describe someone or something that comes back with a fighting spirit. Huntington Beach High School senior Ralph Velazquez has exemplified carom. On June 4, 2022, the Huntington Beach Oilers played in the CIF State Regional Championship against the JSerra Lions of San Juan Capistrano. Going into the 8th inning, the score was tied at 0-0, with one out, when then-junior infielder Ralph Velazquez hit the two-run homer that ultimately led them to win and take the State title.
Now a senior, Velazquez has committed to continue his baseball career as an Arizona State Sun Devil. In finishing off his last season as an Oiler, he says that his goal is to “perform to the best of my ability to help my team win.”
The player helps lead his team with spirit and determination and says that he strives to make every game memorable. “I play hard every [time] because you never know when this game can end for you,” he maintains. “You don’t want to regret not playing hard when you should have.”
The Oilers are no strangers to winning. On top of their big State Championship win, they also finished last season at 8-1 and won the Sunset Surf League title. They are known throughout California as a dominant team, are passionate in everything they do, and they channel that emotion into victory. Velazquez says that his two-run dinger in the CIF State Championship was his favorite memory because of the excitement and celebration that he received and got to share with his teammates.
Earlier, I described Velazquez as a “carom” because of his courageous work ethic and ability to come back, even when his team is down. I am going to add to that definition. This player also has a huge heart with incredible intentions. His love and passion for the game are what drive him to do the unexpected and be able to perform for his team. I asked the 2023 grad what he advice he would look back and give to his 10-year-old-self. His wholesome response? “I would tell him to keep being yourself, love your family, and love your friends. If you work as hard as you can, the future will be bright,” he said. “I would then tell him that your dreams are coming true.”
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