And who says Dolphins can’t fly?

By: Jack Plaia

On July 2, 2025, the Staten Island FerryHawks called Ryan Kehoe, a CSI graduate, with an offer to sign him to pitch.  What had all started as a part time activity to pass time at school for Kehoe made him one of only two baseball players from CSI to ever join the FerryHawks. 

“Joining the FerryHawks was a huge surprise for me,” Kehoe said. “It really wasn’t something I thought was possible until I got the call, but it’s an opportunity I feel I wouldn’t ever say no to.”

All Kehoe’s years of work on the field opened a brand-new door for him. Kehoe officially signed to the FerryHawks 3 days after his call on July 5.

At CSI, Kehoe attended baseball practice three days a week, two hours each session. Games only occurred between Friday and Sunday, and on average the team spent about five hours at each game.

It’s a big difference compared with the eight hours he must spend on the field each day the FerryHawks have a game, which is six days a week. Unlike baseball at CSI, there is no mandatory practice due to the frequency of games, so players must hold themselves accountable. Any player that wants any real practice can only fit it in before games if they show up extra early.

As a pitcher, Kehoe’s throwing program and training schedule is for the most part the same as it was at CSI. The only difference for him in terms of game preparation is the scouting reports he receives on the opposing team, which he did not have in college.

Kehoe believes that he has reached his current level only because of the community and environment that his friends and teammates helped him build.

While also having to adjust to the work aspects of being a FerryHawks player, Kehoe now spends his time around a greater level of talent. He is constantly surrounded by big-name minor-league players and even some ex-MLB stars including Pablo Sandoval and Adalberto Meija.

“They carry themselves very highly every day, and how devoted they are to the game is unlike any other,” said Kehoe. “They would show up to the field every day, work harder than anyone I’ve ever played with, and you can honestly tell these guys played at such a high level.”

Being around such skilled ballers has forced Kehoe to focus on building himself up as well. One of his biggest goals is to simply keep his job. He must perform consistently well every day in the in the league because there are a lot of eager players who want to take his spot. 

Kehoe prefers home games more than away games since he doesn’t have to go on long bus rides and sleep in a different bed each night.

Every day Kehoe shows up to the field, he runs the risk of it being his last. His keys to keeping his spot include training hard at the gym, staying consistent with his throwing program, and maintaining a positive, willing-to-learn attitude.

Kehoe’s career path has been a big inspiration for his family, friends, and old teammates. His younger brother, Jack Kehoe, also plays baseball for CSI and looks up to him both for guidance and as a symbol that he can achieve anything he sets his mind to.

“I might have been more excited than Ryan was to find out that he would have this opportunity,” said Jack Kehoe. “As an older brother and teammate, he has always guided me on the field and through life, so to see him doing something big like this means a lot to me.”

Kehoe plans to stick with the FerryHawks for as long as he can and continue to climb in his skill levels and experience. He is happy with his decision to sign and recommends it to anyone whom the opportunity may present itself to.

“Between the professional atmosphere, the places you travel and stadiums you play in, while also playing the game you love at such a high level is truly a blessing,” Kehoe said.  “If there is an opportunity to play, take it and enjoy every moment you have, because not many people make it to this level.”

Kehoe’s favorite part about playing for the FerryHawks is the large crowds he gets to entertain.

Like this:

Like Loading…