Northeast’s best gear up
for city all-star game

By Joe Mason
For the Times

Being a star wide receiver and defensive back takes a lot of work during the fall. Playing four positions on a baseball field also takes a bit of practice.
For the past few weeks, Archbishop Ryan High School senior Nick Ferdinand has been doing both.
Ferdinand is a part-time leftfielder, a part-time shortstop, a fill-in third baseman and the ace pitcher for the Raiders.
When baseball practice or a game comes to an end, Ferdinand has been hustling to his car to head down to Penn Charter, where he’s preparing with the rest of his Non-Public teammates for the annual Daily News-Eagles City Football All-Star Game.
The game, which features the best Public League players against the best Catholic League and Inter Ac players, will take place on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Northeast High.
"It’s not too bad," Ferdinand said of the long days. "I love baseball and we’re doing pretty well. If we win our next two games, we’ll probably be in the playoffs.
"The football is really good," continued Ferdinand, who will play only wide receiver in the all-star game. "There are so many studs on this team, Division 1 players, that it’s really fun. Right from the beginning, we kind of clicked and we’re getting better and better every day."
They better be, because Ferdinand’s doing a lot of traveling. Every day he goes from his Bensalem home to Archbishop Ryan. Then, after baseball, he takes the Roosevelt Boulevard all the way down to Penn Charter.
That’s a lot of mileage.
"The good part is, with football, we have to work hard when we’re there, but we’re not there a lot," he said. "I’m usually not getting home until ten p.m., and I’m doing a lot from when I leave my house until I get home, but it’s worth it. I’m really excited about the game."
Ferdinand is a big fan of versatility. Last year he primarily was a shortstop on a team that advanced to the Catholic League championship. And even though his position of choice is leftfield, this year he’s been doing everything in his power to keep the Raiders in the playoff hunt.
"We needed pitching so I started pitching," he said. "I’ve pitched before, for my travel team in Bucks County, but there I was just used as a closer. Starting is different, but I’m having fun.
"Last year I played short, but to save my arm, they started putting me in leftfield. Then we had a few mistakes at third base, so they asked me to play there," he explained. "I just want to win. I really don’t mind going from position to position."
Just like he did in football, where he played entire games on offense and defense. Unfortunately, having a two-way star did little to help. Ryan finished 4-7 overall, 1-6 in the Catholic League Red Division.
You won’t hear Ferdinand complain about it.
"We didn’t make the playoffs, but football was great because I was playing with my best friends for the last time," said Ferdinand, who caught 44 passes for more than 500 yards and four touchdowns despite missing two games because of a leg injury. "You play against the best teams in that division, so we had some battles.
"I think that’s what makes the all-star game so fun," he continued. "You play hard and you talk smack against these guys, and then all of a sudden, you’re teammates. It’s pretty fun to meet all these guys you’ve been going up against for years. The practices have been great. I think the game will just be awesome."
Ferdinand still has business to take care of.
Ryan remains alive in the baseball hunt and Ferdinand still has one more night to put on his Raiders football helmet.
But unlike most two-sport seniors, Ferdinand isn’t tortured by having to make a decision about which sport to give up. He won’t have to.
"I’m going to Bloomsburg and they told me I can play football and baseball," said Ferdinand. "It’s good because I really didn’t know what one I’d play. I’m pretty happy they didn’t make me pick. I’m going there with the idea that I’m going to play both." ••
Joe Mason can be reached at joemason70@hotmail.com