Ryan Shelton is a team captain and starting center fielder for the Bellevue Community College baseball program.
He is also a sophomore majoring in business.
Following BCC, he plans to transfer to a four-year program to pursue both baseball and his business degree.
“Once I have my business degree, I am interested in going into some sort of sports marketing, or maybe business law.”
His friends describe him as pretty goofy both on and off of the field.
“I’m always trying to have fun in the weight room, and on the field, while of course we get stuff done” said Shelton.
Shelton is used to winning. Coming from Woodinville High, Shelton has already won two Kingco championships, and went to state both years.
“Winning Kingco back to back years was a big thrill,” said Shelton.
“My junior year was probably most exciting, because we played Lake Washington, [who] were very good and [we] ended up winning in a close game. Although it was on a smaller stage in high school, it was a great memory.”
From a young age, Shelton got into baseball from watching it on TV, as well as trying to impersonate all of the different professional players’ mannerisms outside with his father. His favorite to impersonate? Ken Griffey Jr. Since then, he’s had nothing but love for the game of baseball.
“I always have had a love for playing baseball since I was five, and I am very fortunate that I still have the opportunity to continue doing something that I love at a high level” said Shelton.
Bellevue Community College also looked to be the perfect fit for Shelton.
“When Coach Yoshino recruited me, I was very interested in joining a program with a winning reputation, good academics, and a good coach who provides the opportunity to play at the next level after [the college of my choice].
“These were all things that BCC had to offer and made my decision easy,” said Shelton.
Now that he’s here, he’s got high hopes for the Bulldogs baseball program.
“Our goals for this year as a team are to win the North Division [of NWAACC], which is very competitive, and get an opportunity to compete for the NWAACC title. We’ve got a great team to pursue this goal, and hopefully everyone can stay healthy and play together. I am very excited about our team and what we can accomplish this year”
As far as personal goals, he’s not lacking there either.
“I’d like to use baseball as a resource to help pay for some of my schooling.
“I am hoping to transfer to a Division I school to play baseball next year, but as of now, I do not know where. I’m considering a school in Colorado, but that’s not for sure,” said Shelton.
If you’re looking to catch Shelton and the other Bulldogs in action, you can check out their schedule online at the College’s website