Behind the Plate with Ramona Weinstein

Note: Ramona Weinstein is a Photos editor for The Spectator.

Name: Ramona Weinstein

Grade: Junior

Position: Catcher

When did you start playing softball and why?

I played baseball when I was younger and loved it, but I wanted to be on a team with girls, so in 6th grade, I joined a 12U softball team. 

When did you join the Renegades?

I joined the Renegades my freshman year.

What’s your favorite part about being on the team?

That’s hard to say because I love playing, practicing, and everything in between with my teammates. All [the] moments that we get to spend together as a group are my favorite, both on and off the field.

What’s your favorite position to play and why?

Catching is my favorite position. I’ve played all my games for Stuy as the catcher and I’ve had an amazing time doing so. There are three parts to catching: receiving, throwing, and blocking. It’s been really fun working on [and improving] those three aspects of catching. The best feeling is framing the third strike when my pitcher strikes someone out, or throwing out a runner at second base.

Favorite softball memory so far? On the team?

Pre-game warm ups with our amazing playlist! Our endless walks to Pier 40 or waiting [over] 30 minutes for the M22 that just won’t come and take us to our game. Also, our team dinner that’s coming up.

What’s the hardest part of softball?

The mental part is definitely the hardest. In hitting, the time in between your two at-bats could feel like a lifetime. It can be hard to immediately bounce back and perform [at] your best for your next at-bat or next play when there’s time to contemplate in between.

What’s one skill you’ve improved the most this season?

Seeing the ball fully into my swing and keeping my head down when hitting. 

Pre-game ritual or superstition?

This isn’t a superstition but our little chant right before we take the field is so cute: “Stuy on three. One, two, three, Stuy! Four, five, six, family! Seven, eight, nine, Renegades!”

Favorite drill at practice?

Our situational full field drills when Coach Miller is calling out the plays. It really gets us into game mode.

Favorite field you’ve played on?

Personally I love Randall’s Island because the dirt fields are just very softball. We also had a really good game against KIPP this season at that field. I also love Pier 40 because it’s our home field and we’re always there.

Team & Personality Questions

Favorite glove: Bedazzled glove on TikTok & my catcher’s glove—it’s very satisfying to receive pitches with.

Funniest teammate: Charlotte Morales

Most inspirational teammate: Captains

One word your teammates would use to describe you: Uplifting

Reflection and Future

What goals did you have for this season?

I had many individual goals to improve my playing, one of them being staying connected with my lower body for more power. Another goal was to step up as an upperclassman by helping everyone on the team, and having really good energy.

What advice would you give younger players?

Don’t let your fear of underperforming stop you from trying your best and working super hard. Also, have so much fun, because so many of my favorite memories of school are during softball season—so remember to enjoy it.

What has softball taught you outside of the sport?

It’s taught me to believe in myself, to understand and work with my mistakes rather than dismissing them, and to be a great teammate.