By Derrick Ow — Reporter
There are certain songs that baseball players align themselves with. Walk-up songs have become part of baseball culture.
For Mariano Rivera, it was “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. For Trevor Hoffman, it was “Hells Bells” by AC/DC. But for San Jose State designated hitter Ruben Ibarra, his song was chosen for him in middle school.
“In 7th grade when I was playing basketball, I was given the nickname ‘Big Poppa’ and I do not plan on changing the nickname,” Ibarra said.
The Notorious B.I.G’s “Big Poppa” is a classic. When you hear it blaring through the speakers at Excite Ballpark, expect fireworks to launch as No. 44 stands in the batter’s box.
Ibarra was named The Spear’s ‘Spartan of the Year’ earlier this month. He went through a gauntlet to be the last student standing and is honored to be included in the Twitter bracket-style contest.
He defeated SJSU water polo goalkeeper Yahav Fire in the first round. In the second round, he bested dynamo gymnast Tia Gin. He scored one of the biggest upsets in the bracket defeating top-seeded sophomore, Spartan point guard Ayzhiana Basallo. In the semifinals, he defeated accomplished cross country runner Jose Pina.
In the finals, he topped Spartan defender Karlee Pottorff by a razor-thin margin to earn the distinguished honor.
“Being nominated was a blessing,” Ibarra said. “All those other athletes had phenomenal seasons for their teams and deserved the honor as well.”
Serving primarily as the designated hitter, Ibarra hit .344 with three home runs and eight RBIs. He has a mighty swing like Hank Aaron and the confidence like Bo Jackson, one of his favorite athletes. He is built like one of his favorite players David Ortiz.
Ibarra dreams of being a big-league star. Yet, his parents Pete and Nikki Ibarra have always seen humility in their oldest son.
“He does exude a lot of humbleness,” his mother, Nikki said. “He always gives his time and he helps his community at San Jose State.”
Ruben was born in Santa Cruz on April 26th, 1999, but his journey started in Watsonville. Known for their Strawberry Festival and surrounding agricultural fields, his father Pete has seen his son feel a sense of pride being raised in “The Ville.”
“He loves where he is from,” Pete said. “During the summer, he would give batting lessons to kids for free and they will remember the lessons he gave for the rest of their lives.”
Ruben pictured himself as a multi-sport athlete. He grew up playing baseball, basketball and football. He even dipped his toes into wrestling in high school.
However, nothing spoke to him like stepping on the baseball diamond. He always had aspirations to be a Major League Baseball player. His parents would always tell him that hard work and sacrifice would lead him to his eventual goal. Ruben never forgets his foundation. The coaches that got him to play at the Division I level.
James and Phil Gomez were Ruben’s first baseball coaches. Phil pitched two seasons with the Miami Marlins organization while James played pro baseball overseas. Ruben always remembers the advice that they both gave him during his travel ball career.
“They are still always available to help if I have any questions,” Ibarra said. “They told me never second guess yourself because baseball is a game of failure.”
Ibarra took that advice to St. Francis High School in Watsonville. He earned all-league selections in football, basketball and baseball.
Entering his senior year, Ruben received no scholarship offers. He felt discouraged but remembered what his dad told him during a batting practice session.
“Do it for the kids that cannot play,” Ibarra said. “Look at the kids who are on the side and want to be in your position, so remember that and play the game the right way.”
Ruben took that advice to his heart. He would end having the most home runs in school history. He enjoyed his time as a Shark.
All of his hard work paid off when he got an offer from SJSU. He was sold on SJSU’s coaching staff because he saw they kept the mood light just like his high school baseball coach Kenny Nakagawa.
“I would see Coach Nakagawa on campus and he would say what’s up,” Ibarra laughed. “It does not take much to make me smile.
Once Ruben graduated high school, there were massive expectations from him to succeed. Nikki believed her son put a lot of pressure on himself into freshman season. She loves how head coach Brad Sanfilippo and his staff have helped his development.
“When he went into his freshman year he struggled like most humans do,” Nikki said. “We have appreciated the advice that coach has given and Ruben knows he just needs to prove himself.”
Ruben had more adversity come his way. He tore a ligament in his left knuckle which required surgery. He would redshirt his sophomore season which devastated him.
He was hungry to get back onto the field.
“I told him that it was something he had to work through,” Pete Sr. said.
Ruben would work his way back into the lineup. The first game of this short season would be a statement that Big Poppa has arrived.
Ruben hit a three-run homer to left-center field against Santa Clara University on Opening Night. An intimate crowd at Excite Ballpark came out of their seats as Ruben ran the bases. Ibarra pointed to the skies as he celebrated his first collegiate home run.
“When he rounds the bases and points to the sky that is for our family up there,” Pete Sr. said.
Ruben feels the importance of being a role model to his two younger brothers Pete Jr., 14 and Nick, 13. Junior wants to play baseball at San Jose State like his older brother. Pete sees the love Ruben has for his younger brothers.
“Ruben is like a God to them,” Pete Sr. said. “He will do baseball drills with them for two to three hours.”
Ruben Ibarra loves being “The People’s Champion” like his favorite wrestler The Rock. He knows his community is on his shoulders during each of his at-bats. However, he wants to remain the same humble player who wants to make his dream of playing in The Show come true.
“I am just going to be the same big guy that is loud at the football games,” Ruben said.
That is who Ruben Ibarra is. Just a kid from Watsonville who became Spartan of The Year.
Follow Derrick on Twitter @derrickq42