July 5, 2000

Patuxent Publishing Co.

John Rynasiewicz (Rye-na-shev-its) knows one pitch from another. 

He has to.

In what may seem like a double life to others, the Towson High student has to be an expert in two separate and distinct areas—music and baseball.

As the third starter on a talented staff for the Class 2A state champion Generals (20-4) this spring, the youngster his team mates call "Rhino" posted a neat 4-1 record.

Other than a poor outing against Dundalk in the regular- season finale, the 6-foot-2, 240-pound righthander gave Towson Coach Bill Yosca several much-needed quality starts.

He’s had as much—or more—success playing the French horn at the Peabody Institute and in the Towson High Orchestra.

"He’s a natural vibrato, fluent in all different styles of music, such as jazz," said Larry Williams, Chair of the Brass and Wind Department at the Peabody Preparatory school and Rynasiewicz’ private instructor. "Most people don’t get into jazz until college."

Rynasiewicz is a member of the Peabody Sinfonia, a position he earned through an audition program every bit as unnerving as facing a slugger with the bases loaded.

He’s also qualified for the Peabody Herald Brass Quintet an unprecedented four consecutive years.
 
 

Not surprisingly, the youngster would prefer to keep both options open.

Johns Hopkins, where his dad, Robert, is a philosophy professor, would be an ideal place for Rynasiewicz to continue both pursuits. 

That is, if he can continue to get batters out with his non-musical pitch.

"Right now, my change-up is my best pitch," said Rynasiewicz, who also owns a fastball and curve of some note. "I’ve got to get in better shape, too."

Yosca is ready to give him the opportunity. 

"He’s a brilliant kid with Ivy League grades," said the coach. "He just needs to work on his flexibility and his inner self. He needs confidence.

"But he could be something. He had the best off-speed stuff on the team. And when he finishes his motion, his fastball is very good."

Rynasiewicz cam through in the playoffs when Yosca had to rest the tired arms of top hurlers Mike Williams and Andre Gardner.

When he handed the game over to Gardner in the fourth inning, Rynasiewicz was leading Overlea, 6-3, in the North Region semifinal.

"John gave us a real good effort," said Yosca, who lifted Rynasiewicz after the 53-pitch outing. "We were just hoping Gardner could close them out."

A couple of games later, Rynasiewicz celebrated a state title with his teammates.

Statewide recognition came in music, too.

Rynasiewicz is a member of the all-state orchestra on an instrument that is challenging to master.

"John has an excellent sense of pitch," said Towson High Band Director Barry Karow.

"A lot of students play the trumpet," he noted. "But the valve combinations on a horn are trickier. The ear has to be more acute."

For Rynasiewicz, that means long hours of practice honing his skills.

"There’s a physical aspect to the horn," said Karow. "You have to be self motivated.

"Not everybody would be as dedicated as he is. It’s a treacherous instrument because it’s so easy to crack a note."

Cracking a note or hearing the crack of a bat are two things that would not be music to his ear.