First-year coach Chuck Ristano has transformed Navy baseball program in short order
As Navy baseball prepares to play Army for the Patriot League championship, it's clear first-year coach Chuck Ristano transformed the program.
There is always a period of transition whenever a college sports program undergoes a leadership change, and one never knows how things will go.
Chuck Ristano took over the Navy baseball program in mid-June and began the process of putting his imprint on the program. He wanted to instill a new mentality and install a new playing philosophy. It was anyone’s guess how all that would play out on the field. Would the Midshipmen immediately embrace the new head coach and his ideas or would the process extend beyond this season?
As Navy prepares to play archrival Army in the championship series of the Patriot League Tournament, the clear-cut conclusion is that Ristano had done a remarkable job of transforming the program in remarkably fast fashion.
After struggling for three straight seasons, Navy is playing a completely different brand of baseball and excelling. The Midshipmen have compiled a 28-21 overall record and 15-10 mark in the Patriot League, finishing in sole possession of second place.
It represents a tremendous turnaround for Navy, which was coming off two straight losing seasons — 23-26 in 2023, 19-26 in 2022.
Prior to practice Thursday, Ristano said he is “absolutely not surprised” that Navy is in position to capture its first Patriot League Tournament championship since 2016. He cited a strong senior class as reason for optimism this season could be a success.
The Midshipmen have nine seniors — four are starting position players and two are key pitchers. Prior to the season, Ristano talked to the seniors about “redefining their legacy” and
“I think one of the most striking things I noticed early was the contribution I expected to get from our seniors. It’s a group that, while not without flaws, is talented and capable of getting this team where we are now,” Ristano said. “I think these seniors want to rewrite a little of their recent program history.”
Coming off consecutive disappointing campaigns, the seniors were willing to do whatever it takes to turn things around. Starting pitcher and team captain Matt Shirah said the senior class completely bought into Ristano’s philosophy and approach.
“Obviously, we had struggled the past three seasons and knew things had to change. We were all in on what Coach Ristano had to offer and bring to the program,” Shirah said. “The seniors led the team and everyone else followed. I would just say the whole culture around the team has changed; I think it feels more like a team as opposed to a division among classes.”
There were four key components of Ristano’s philosophy: Take every extra base, dominate the routine play, get to seven and win the free 90.
It was a combination of a renewed emphasis on fundamentals along with a newly-installed aggressive style on the base paths that emphasized steals, going from first to third and scoring from second.
Navy has amassed 86 stolen bases this season after totaling just 31 in 2023. Senior outfielder Zane Raba ranks among the national leaders with 28 stolen bases, while sophomore second baseman Brock Murtha is not far behind with 20. Third baseman Logan Keller has 12 stolen bases after coming into this season with just three in his entire career.
“Every base we steal puts us 90 feet further ahead and into scoring position. We have sometimes run ourselves out of positive offensive innings, but I think the good has far outweighed the bad,” Ristano said. “When you turn them loose a little bit and take the restrictor plate off, you’re pleased with the results because not only do they play a more aggressive game as it relates to running the bases, but I think it permeates throughout the entire program philosophy.”
Navy plays its home games at expansive Bishop Stadium, which does not lend itself to posting power numbers. Ristano felt it was important to manufacture runs and that is what the Mids have done.
The Midshipmen have scored 311 runs this season, a significant increase from the 242 of 2023. Almost every returning player has posted improved offensive numbers across the board.
Murtha leads the team with a .349 batting average, is tied for second with 45 runs scored and ranks third with 35 RBIs. The Notre Dame transfer hit .287 with 28 runs and 27 RBIs a year ago.
Keller is hitting .297 and is tied with Murtha for the team lead with 19 extra base hits, while ranking second with 36 RBIs. Last season, Keller hit .283 with 31 RBIs. Raba and senior shortstop Eduardo Diaz are also posting vastly improved offensive numbers.
Ristano said offensive success is contagious and lifts every member of the lineup, one through nine. He believes playing small ball has led to a boost in production.
“Being aggressive on the bases also permeates to the short game as it relates to bunting. If you connect the dots, if teams have to account for you playing the short game it changes their defense,” Ristano said. “If an infielder has to play one or two steps closer, that increases the chance of a grounder getting by them.”
Navy has also gotten improved pitching — both from the starters and the relievers. Sophomore Tyler Grenn emerged as the staff ace and was named first team All-Patriot League after posting a 6-3 record with a 2.85 ERA. He led the league in numerous categories after working just 13 innings in 10 appearances as a freshman.
Freshman Brady Bendik has been Navy’s second-best starter and owns a 6-3 record and 4.48 ERA after hurling a gem to beat Holy Cross on Sunday. Senior reliever Nolan Jorgenson has been sensational with a 3-0 record, two saves and team-best 3.13 ERA after suffering through a miserable 2023 campaign.
“We’ve gotten some breakout seasons from guys who struggled last season. Nolan Jorgenson is having a career-defining year, Tyler Grenn has been a heck of a lot better and a couple freshmen have pitched in significant roles,” Ristano said.
Shirah, who is having a strong senior season as the No. 3 starter, believes the pitchers have done a good job of limiting walks and hit batsmen as well as managing the running game. He praised the bullpen for providing quality innings.
Diaz believes the biggest difference this season has been the overall team mindset. There is tremendous team chemistry, players are having fun and there has been a gritty determination not evident in recent seasons.
“We’ve grown to be more of a team in which the connection matters. We have bonded as a team and as a unit,” Diaz said. “That bond and connection we have builds trust, builds character and builds all the assets necessary to be successful on the field. We are holding ourselves accountable in a way that not many teams do.”
Diaz credits Ristano, who spent 12 seasons as pitching coach at Notre Dame and one season in the same role at Florida State, for bringing that mentality.
“Coach Ristano has brought tremendous energy and pumped new life into the program,” Diaz said. “He has instilled the attitude that we need to be the team to beat regardless of the situation.”
PATRIOT LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
Game 1
Navy at Army
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Stream: ESPN+