Van Ness Clan Hangs Out On Red Raider Baseball Diamond
Time on the baseball diamond is also family time for Red Raider third base-man/pitcher Justin Van Ness, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. As a freshman, he was able to play a season with older brother R.J., one of the East’s top players during his career. The coach is also his father, Roger, whom he credits with helping spark his interest in baseball.
“He loved baseball, and I fell in love with it as well,” said Justin, now a senior. “It’s in our blood.
We’re a close family. We all played since we were young. Back when I was younger and playing tee-ball, all of the Van Ness boys were there (brother R.J. and cousins Kevin and Steven) together. We were always at the same place, watching each other. Everywhere they’d go, we’d go. When we moved from Texas to Hawaii in 2001, they (cousins) moved here the same year.”
Justin hopes for the right finish to what has been a solid career at Kahuku. This week the team prepares for Saturday’s double-header at home at 11 a.m. against Kailua. Justin recently took time away from his schedule to talk with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.
How would you assess Kahuku’s preseason and the early OIA slate? What’s the key the rest of the way to have the kind of finish you would like? I think the key is to take it one step at a time. We have some great new coaches who have helped. Nolan Ramirez is well-known and we also have Gary Nagy.
What area of your game did you focus on in the off-season? I tried to focus on playing third (base) because that’s where I hope to play at the next level. Last year, I played anywhere they needed me, but mostly third.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? I would say my brother R.J. I always wanted to be like him. He was always one of the best players.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Yahoo. I love reading the articles on Yahoo to see what’s going on in the world.
What is your least-favorite household chore?
Every day when I come home from practice and I’m tired, I have to take out the trash.
What movie could you watch over and over? Fast Five. I’m a car fanatic. I love cars.
Who is Kahuku’s best “practice player,” the guy who gives 110 percent at all times? Michael Sabido. He’s an all-around player. He does everything at 200 percent.
Do you play video games? Video games are my second hobby. I have Xbox 360 and Wii, but Xbox 360 is my passion. I like the whole Call of Duty series and Madden Football and MLB (Pro Baseball).
Are you a neat freak or messy? I’m a little bit of both. I lean toward the messy side.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you choose as your prom date? (Actress) Shay Mitchell from Pretty Little Liars.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and you can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Everyone at school calls me Nuggets – I love chicken nuggets.
