Rays Pitching Coach Kyle Snyder Carries Sarasota Roots to the World Series

Tampa Bay Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder has made it to the World Series, and the road there began on the youth baseball fields of Sarasota, where he first fell in love with the game as a child.

Snyder's athletic life started in early childhood. He moved from tee-ball to Arlington Park and eventually on to professional stadiums, developing his passion at local fields around the city along the way.

At Riverview High School, Snyder was a multi-sport athlete and a dedicated student. He earned varsity letters in four sports while preparing for a long career in baseball. During his senior year, he laid out his ambitions plainly. "I'm going to continue playing the game as far as I am able to be successful with it," Snyder said.

Rays manager Kevin Cash has called Snyder the best in baseball at what he does. Snyder's mother, Sandy Snyder, believes his personal touch is what sets him apart in professional sports. "I couldn't be prouder. I've been proud of him his whole life," she said. "He has wonderful people skills. He communicates so well with players and teammates."

She also described the pride he has brought the family through sports, from T-ball to Arlington Park and now the World Series.

Tom Scarpinato, a former assistant baseball coach at Riverview High, saw that drive develop up close. "He had a really good work ethic. He worked really hard," Scarpinato said. He added that Snyder was a "very smart student as well," and pointed to the four varsity letters as evidence of how much he loved athletics.

Scarpinato said Snyder's path holds a lesson for young players. "Work hard, you never know what can happen," he said.

For Sandy Snyder, the story is also a family one. Her grandson plays Little League now, and she said she grins at his games as the players file in, pulling their bags behind them. "They all have the same dream that Kyle had," she said.

Snyder is not the only Sarasota native in the Tampa Bay bullpen. His lifelong friend Misha Dworkin is also part of the major league experience. The two played Little League and Babe Ruth baseball together and briefly attended high school together. Now they share a dugout at the World Series.