By JIM WALKER

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

Ian Ginger began dreaming as a young boy. Now, as a senior for the Ironton Fighting Tigers’ baseball team, that dream has become a reality.

The dream came to fruition when he signed a letter-of-intent with the Lake Erie College Storm of Painesville, Ohio.

“It was a really good fit and they offered me a good amount (of money). It was a good D2 to go to for sure,” said Ginger. “I’ve always had that dream as a young kid since I remember picking up a bat and ball. It’s always been a dream.”

Ginger’s coach since he began playing has been Travis Wylie and it doesn’t surprise him that Ginger is realizing that dream.

“Ian has always been a talented kid. It goes back years when I coached him. He was seven I think. I go back a while with a lot of these kids,” said Wylie.

“He has a great work ethic. He’ll do anything you ask. And he’s went about things the right way. He’s got in summer ball and showcased his talents and he’s always willing to do extra to get better. That’s the big thing about him. He’s always been that way.

Things won’t change much for Ginger at the next level. He said he committed as a two-way player who is both a pitcher and a position player, namely a centerfielder.

“I’m going to play some centerfield and hit and I’m going to be pitching a lot,” said Ginger. “They’ve got me as a (pitching) starter for sure and then play outfield and hit.”

Ginger said he really doesn’t prefer one position over another.

“It all depends on how I’m feeling. Certain days I like pitching and certain days I’m making plays in the outfield and I’m like, man, I love doing both,” said Ginger. “My strong suit will mainly be pitching just because the velocity is there.”

Ginger has been clocked between 88 and 92 miles an hour and he believes there’s plenty of room for improvement.

“The plan this year is to be 91, 94 off the mound,” said Ginger, who knows he needs to add bulk weight.

“They said I need to be up around 190 to 200. I’m on that course right now with my pitching coach in Cincinnati. I’m 180 now and I need to get up to 195.”

With his future set, Ginger said he can now focus on his prime concern which is the Ironton baseball season.

“I’m going into the season thinking we’re big dogs. I always think that no matter what,” said Ginger.

“I want to win the state in high school this year 100 percent. I know we got bumped down a couple of divisions which can make it more possible. I’m not saying it wasn’t possible, but it’s going to make it a higher percentage to go to the state.”

Ginger is focused on the present, but he took a moment to reflect on what it means to play at the next level and he is grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s a blessing. I thank God for everything he’s done for me. Not very many get to do this so I’m blessed to do this,” said Ginger. “That first year is going to be different. I don’t think it’s going to be rough, but I know (the coaches) have got my back and my teammates have got my back.”