Ryan Garko

It didn't matter that Ryan Garko has hit the ball since he walked onto the Stanford campus, or that he has made the College World Series his home away from home. All that mattered in the eyes of major league scouts was whether the former Anaheim Servite High catcher could really play his position. Garko learned that during last year's amateur draft when round after round passed without his receiving the call.

The weather outside was frightful, with a game-time temperature of 33 degrees and a freakish spring blizzard blanketing southeast Wisconsin in more than six inches of snow, conditions that prompted outfielder Trot Nixon of the beleaguered Cleveland Indians to pronounce, "Our next home game is in Hawaii."

Ryan Garko thought he might have to bide his time this season at Stanford. With seven regulars back from a team that reached the College World Series last season, it didn't seem likely that Garko would contend for a regular job as a freshman. But it appears to be only a matter of time before that happens. "He's going to be a good player for us in the future," Stanford Coach Mark Marquess said.

It didn't matter that Ryan Garko has hit the ball since he walked onto the Stanford campus, or that he has made the College World Series his home away from home. All that mattered in the eyes of major league scouts was whether the former Anaheim Servite High catcher could really play his position. Garko learned that during last year's amateur draft when round after round passed without his receiving the call.

Like a pitcher struggling to recapture or refine his mechanics, Ryan Garko headed to the bullpen as often as possible last summer. Garko played first base for the Fairbanks Goldpanners in the Alaska League, but he was intent on becoming Stanford's starting catcher when he returned to school for his sophomore year. "Catching in the bullpen is a job that no one ever wants to do," Garko said.

The weather outside was frightful, with a game-time temperature of 33 degrees and a freakish spring blizzard blanketing southeast Wisconsin in more than six inches of snow, conditions that prompted outfielder Trot Nixon of the beleaguered Cleveland Indians to pronounce, "Our next home game is in Hawaii."

Steve Ward caught a national high school record-tying seven touchdown passes--all in the first half--to lead Anaheim Servite to a 76-0 victory over Santa Ana Friday night in Golden West League game at Santa Ana Stadium. Ward caught touchdown passes of six, 27, 12, 14, six and seven from Greg Cicero and a 17-yarder from Ryan Garko. Ward finished with 12 receptions for 205 yards.

Santa Margarita (11-0) vs. Servite (6-5) 7:30 TONIGHT CAL STATE FULLERTON One of the things that has changed from their first meeting, a 55-14 victory for Santa Margarita in the third week, is that Servite actually has all of its players this time. Among those who will suit up are Ryan Garko, the quarterback injured in the first week, and right tackle Jesse Day (6-3, 285), the offensive line's anchor.

Eleven major league baseball players, most with Orange County connections, will provide instruction at Dan Naulty's Big League Baseball Charity Camp Nov. 27-29 at Ocean View High. Cost of the camp, which is open to boys and girls ages 8-13 but limited to 200, is $249, with proceeds benefiting Ocean View's baseball program. Sessions are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day and lunch will be provided. Naulty is a reliever for the Minnesota Twins who played at Ocean View and Cal State Fullerton.

at Minnesota 3, Kansas City 2: Johan Santana (19-6) pitched eight strong innings, and the Twins remained a game behind Detroit in the race for the AL Central title. at Detroit 4, Toronto 3: Placido Polanco drove in three runs to lift the Tigers, who have won eight of their last 11 games. Detroit remained tied with the New York Yankees for the AL's best record (95-62). at New York 5, Baltimore 4: Cory Lidle (4-3) pitched into the seventh inning; Bobby Abreu and Robinson Cano homered.

Like a pitcher struggling to recapture or refine his mechanics, Ryan Garko headed to the bullpen as often as possible last summer. Garko played first base for the Fairbanks Goldpanners in the Alaska League, but he was intent on becoming Stanford's starting catcher when he returned to school for his sophomore year. "Catching in the bullpen is a job that no one ever wants to do," Garko said.

Ryan Garko thought he might have to bide his time this season at Stanford. With seven regulars back from a team that reached the College World Series last season, it didn't seem likely that Garko would contend for a regular job as a freshman. But it appears to be only a matter of time before that happens. "He's going to be a good player for us in the future," Stanford Coach Mark Marquess said.