Roberto Ramos "warrants consideration with an eye toward 2020" after batting .309 in an outstanding Minor League season

Kyle Newman, a sports writer for The Denver Post, makes a compelling case for Reggie Smith Academy alumnus Roberto Ramos to advance to Major League status in his recent article, “Rockies’ assessment of their long-term stability at first base begins with Triple-A Albuquerque’s Roberto Ramos”. Roberto, drafted into the Colorado Rockies’ Minor League organization in 2014, has had an excellent 2019 season playing first base for the Albuquerque Isotopes, batting .309 with 26 home runs. Newman describes Roberto as “the most big-league-ready prospect in a farm system overflowing with first-base talent”.

Roberto’s success is the result of his years of dedication and hard work. He grew up in Hermosillo, Mexico, and moved to Southern California as a teenager. His family wanted him to have access to opportunities in the United States, and they knew he would flourish if given the chance. He started training at the Reggie Smith Academy when he was 17 years old, and through his discipline, rapidly advanced both athletically and academically. Roberto helped his high school's baseball team win the Los Angeles City Championship at Dodger Stadium, and was named the game’s MVP. After graduating from high school, Roberto was accepted to College of the Canyons, continuing to play baseball. After earning his Associate of Arts degree, Roberto was drafted by the Colorado Rockies. Today, he's one of their top minor league prospects, and a shining example of the success that exceptional student athletes can achieve.

Ismar’s Story

Ismar “Izzy” Ardon's family emigrated to Southern California from Guatemala when he was a child. He grew up in the Malibu, California homes in which his mother was employed as a domestic. At nine years old, Izzy began attending summer camps at Reggie Smith Baseball Centers. While he didn't regard himself an exceptional player, Izzy was dedicated to practice. It was clear to Reggie how much Izzy loved the game of baseball, and Reggie was impressed with how hard Izzy worked to make it in little league. Reggie mentored and trained Izzy through middle school and into high school, where he was a catcher for Malibu High School. After graduation, Izzy worked at Reggie Smith Baseball Centers as a camp counselor, nurturing youth players. Izzy decided to continue his education, earning an Associate of Arts degree from Santa Monica College. He went on to graduate with honors from UCLA, and was in the top 1% of applicants accepted into the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he earned his MBA. Along the way, Izzy never lost his passion for youth baseball. Today, he is Director of Baseball Operations for the Reggie Smith Academy. The motivation to succeed has always been strong in Izzy. All he ever needed was the opportunity to show the world what he was capable of.