By Jake Domagal, Staff Writer

UTICA, N.Y. – The Utica Blue Sox announced Tuesday the signing of Ryan Maka, a freshman at Valparaiso University. Maka is a former First Team All-Area outfielder from Oak Forest, Ill. He will be joining the Blue Sox following the completion of his rookie season with the Beacons in the Missouri Valley Conference. 

Maka attended Oak Forest High School, about 30 minutes outside of Chicago. During his career he was selected to First Team All-Conference as a sophomore, then First Team All-Area in his senior season. He also competed with the Chicago Elite travel team. 

Maka began playing at the age of 4 when his dad threw him into the game. It was a sport his dad always wanted him to play, and luckily he fell in love with the game immediately. He’s been working at improving and playing the game he loves ever since. 

Maka’s decision to come to Utica came from a few of his teammates who have played with the Blue Sox in past years. He said many of his teammates, as well as his coach, highly recommended the Blue Sox organization with nothing but good things to say. He hopes this summer will be a big step in growing as a player.

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