PEABODY — When Ryan Knight joined the Peabody baseball team it didn’t take long for head coach Mark Bettencourt to realize the kind of talent his team was getting.
“Ryan has been starting in our program since he was a freshman,” Bettencourt said. “It was clear he was a real impact player right away and that he was going to eventually play college ball somewhere. It was just a matter of where.”
Knight figured out the where before the start of his senior season with the Tanners this spring, committing to play Division I baseball at the University of Hartford.
After the cancellation of his junior season last spring, Knight was glad to put the search for a home at the next level to rest and find a landing spot with the Hawks.
“This whole coronavirus pandemic made recruiting so tough,” Knight said. “This summer, only Division III schools could come to our games and it was one of the best seasons I’ve ever had so that was frustrating. Fortunately, my head coach did a great job helping out and sending videos of my tape to schools.”
Knight went on a number of trips and tours before finding the right fit.
“I went out and toured a couple places before I finally ended up at Hartford,” Knight said. “I just loved it there. I love the coaching staff, the program and the campus is really beautiful. It definitely seemed like the right fit.”
The Hawks, who compete in the America East Conference, are coached by Justin Blood. Bettencourt has no doubts that Blood and Hartford are going to be pleased with their newest addition.
“I know coach (Blood) at Hartford,” Bettencourt said. “He’s going to be very happy with who he’s getting. (Knight) is a great player and person.”
Knight has made plays for the Tanners in centerfield for a number of years and brings a big bat to the lineup as well.
“He has the discipline at plate that allows him to not only hit for contact but also hit for power,” Bettencourt said. “His baseball IQ helps on the bases and he has all the fundamentals and intangibles that a college coach would look for.”
“His work ethic is through the roof,” Bettencourt said. “The leading by example is something that always impressed me about him. He’s not a big talker or a rah-rah guy, he just comes everyday and busts his tail. The reason I really respect him is that he’s not only good on the field but also in the classroom. He’s a good person. His baseball ability is a mirror of the type of person he is.”
During his time with the Tanners, Knight also got to learn from a number of gifted athletes that helped him reach his full potential.
“Being here (in Peabody) helped me a ton,” Knight said. “I learned a lot from (former Tanners star) Jake Gustin coming in my freshman year and he’s at Bryant (University) now. He really made me realize how hard you have to work to get where you want to be.”
While he might’ve missed out on being on the diamond last spring, Knight got to prove his worth and play ball in the Essex County Baseball League that worked as a replacement for a canceled American Legion season this summer. Now, he’s ready to set big goals for his senior season.
“It definitely takes a lot of pressure off committing to Hartford,” Knight said. “Now that I have where I’m going I don’t need to worry about that and can focus on this season. Hopefully we make a big comeback this year and I’ll be shooting for league MVP.”