Sibling rivalry is a natural result, especially when both are the same gender and even more when the two are talented athletes. Such is the case for Javier and Diego Ramos, each of whom will claim to be the better player but at the same time respect one another for not just what they do with the game on the line, but also the manner in which each one finds a way to win.
A 2018 graduate of Vian High School as a hard throwing pitcher for the Wolverines baseball teams, Javier’s journey also includes a college career where he pitched in the College World Series for the Oklahoma Sooners and then was drafted in the18th round by the Colorado Rockies in 2022.
“Self confidence and my ability to embrace any challenge and beat it with my competitive nature is what’s helped me achieve my childhood dreams to play professional baseball,” said Javier in describing his trek to the big leagues. “I strive to be the last man standing because of my hard work.”
While he implements a rotation of five pitches, Javier, now 23 years old, smiles when asked about his go-to-pitch which has been clocked at 100 miles per hour.
“Definitely, I’ll rely upon my fastball for the win. I think it’s been a plus for me reaching the pros.”
No longer watching but now standing tall on the mound this spring at Vian High School is 18-year old Diego Ramos, who has the same self-confidence and humble swagger with his abilities as Javier but also believes he has an advantage being the younger brother.
“I’ve watched Javier and learned from his success as well as his challenges, on and off the field, embracing the importance to never be satisfied, always getting better,” explained the current day senior at Vian who has signed a college scholarship to play baseball at the University of Arkansas. “It’s helped me strengthen my self confidence as well as my work ethic to be become a better player and to be a better person everyday. For sure, going one-on-one against Javier has made me a better hitter as well as a pitcher. You try to hit something coming 100 miles per hour- it’s not easy.”
Like his older brother, Diego can gas it up with a two or four seam fastball reaching speeds of 94 miles per hour on the radar gun.
“I throw the 4-seam harder but the 2-seam has more movement.”
Both credit their dad, Albis, the assistant baseball coach for the Wolverines, for teaching them how to manage a game.
“He didn’t have to say anything. I just knew from the look in his eyes what he wanted me to do in any situation,” said Javier.
Diego agrees and also points out that when dad speaks, you better listen.
“Dad will allow you to shake off the call whenever I want to throw a certain pitch on a specific count. But you better be right and understand how to take advantage of a hitter’s weaknesses.”
Both highly competitive, the brother tandem is quick to credit the positive influence of their home life for instilling a focused approach both on and off the field.
“The whiffle ball games in our back yard were intense competition between Javier and myself,” said Diego. “But at home, my dad and mom made certain that we understood the importance of doing things the right way and never making excuses about the little things as well as big things.”
Javier echoed his agreement about the same influence for helping to shape his system of values.
“They taught us to not only be prepared but to always be ready to for the unexpected things that happen when you least expect it. That includes taking care of our classroom assignments as well as making your bed everyday,” Javier said with a nod of affirmation. “By their everyday examples at home, at school and in life, my parents helped us develop mental toughness. Not only to have a game plan but to know that sometimes in life and in sports you have to be ready to make changes when things force your hand.”
Both young men have their favorite baseball players. For Javier its Pedro Martinez and Barry Bonds while Diego likes the way in which Aroldis Chapman can overpower batters.
And while his older brother’s favorite team is obviously the Colorado Rockies, Diego still favors the New York Mets to win the National League crown.
It’s just another sibling rivalry embraced in love and respect on an off the field; each still proud to call Vian their home, to do things the right way and forever proud to be a Vian Wolverine. After all, it’s where they learned to play the game they love most.
