• Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Madison County Record
    • Madison Living
    • Living 50 Plus
    • Explore
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • E-editions
    • Contact Us
    • Services
      • About Us
      • List of Locations
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor

Hartselle Enquirer
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Obits
  • Opinion
  • Public Records
  • Madison County Record
  • Madison Living Magazine
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Contact Us
  • Services
  • About Us
  • List of Locations
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a News Tip
  • Submit a Photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Engagement Announcement
  • Wedding Announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letter to the Editor
    Hartselle Enquirer
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Schools
      • Opinion
      • Events
      • Lifestyles
      • Business
      • Records
      • Special Sections
    Dylan Ray: The Real Deal
    Bob Jones sophomore Dylan Ray is making waves among the state high school baseball players and is beginning to excel to where he is regarded as the No. 1 player in Alabama. Photo Contributed
    Bob Jones High School, Discovery Middle School, FRONT PAGE FEATURED, Madison, Madison County Record, Schools, Sports, Z - News Main
     By  Bob Labbe Published 
    7:51 pm Monday, April 2, 2018

    Dylan Ray: The Real Deal

    MADISON- Bob Jones super sophomore Dylan Ray is being touted as the No. 1 high school baseball player in Alabama and has already verbally committed to Alabama, but his biggest claim to fame may be his desire to play the sport at whatever cost.

    The current third baseman and pitcher for the Patriots is rocketing the baseball at home plate with speeds reaching 95 miles per hour. He’s leading the team in homeruns (8), RBIs (32), slugging percentage (.773) and batting average (.413) all while nursing an elbow strain causing him to skip most of his pitching rotation and just handle the team’s designated hitter position. For those in the know of high school baseball, Ray is the real deal.

    “We believe the sky is the limit for this kid as he has the potential to be drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft after high school,” said Jared Smith head coach of Bob Jones. “He is also a great teammate who wants to play wherever he is needed to make the team the best. He’s even offered to change positions to help the team get the best possible lineup on the field.”

    “I’ve always loved baseball and the thought of playing the next level,” said Ray. “I even thought that when I used to play backyard whiffle ball growing up with some of my current teammates. Growing up I used to watch You Tube videos to learn how to hit the ball and to try and put elevation on the ball. I’m still watching those videos today.”

    The son of Tom and Lajeanna Ray, along with a younger brother, Brayden, an eighth grader at Liberty Middle School, older brother, Jacob, who attends the University of Alabama, and older sister McKenna who plays softball for the University of North Alabama, Ray moved to the Madison area while in the sixth grade. Once he attended Discovery Middle School, the determination and desire to hit and not sit came to the forefront for Ray.

    After winning the county championship in the seventh grade, the Discovery Panthers were being led by Ray into the new season, but he suffered a partial UCL tear in his right throwing elbow. Although no surgery was needed, he was instructed by a doctor in Birmingham to shut down throwing for eight weeks. Ray said of his learning of the doctor’s instructions, “I was devastated. I wanted to play and help my team.”

    Ray was so determined not to sit, he chose to teach himself to throw left handed so he could continue to play and lead his team to what would be another county championship. He would spend hours, many times well into the night darkness, throwing a soft baseball against a wall of his home learning the form needed to throw left handed. His parents were extremely encouraging as they saw the determination he showed of doing whatever it took to keep playing.

    “I bought a Rawlings glove for left handers and made it back just in time for the county tournament, which we won,” said Ray.

    After a superb freshman year with the Patriots a season ago, Ray (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) had an outstanding off-season venture to college camps. While attending a camp at Alabama he was clocked at 90 miles per hour and almost on the spot was offered a position on the Alabama recruiting map. He was thrilled at the possibility of playing for the Crimson Tide as he grew up a fan of Alabama. “Yes, I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else or wearing the colors of other schools,” added Ray.

    He recently verbally committed to Alabama while also receiving offers from Mississippi State, West Virginia and Auburn. He said he is totally committed to Alabama and has hopes of studying nutrition and physical fitness

    One baseball service has tagged him the top prospect in the state, which Ray, in his own humble way, said, “That’s nice, but I know other players can outwork you despite the ranking. I always feel like going out and giving my best. Of course being the top ranked player automatically puts a target on me by other teams. I’ll deal with it, just as I have other adversities in my life.”

    “Dylan is blessed with great size, talent and a tremendous work ethic,” said Smith of his star player. “He lives in the weight room so much so, we actually have to monitor him to make sure he isn’t overdoing it. He volunteered to change positions to help the team and you don’t often have guys of his caliber wanting to move positions, which is a huge asset to our team.”

    In true Ray fashion, he has also taught himself to play the ukulele after seeing a person play the musical instrument on America’s Got Talent TV program. He ordered one off E-bay and has learned several songs he can play at any time.

    He’s an active member of the school’s chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a regular attendee of Crosspointe Church.

    “I feel super blessed,” said Ray. “I’ve always believed let the light shine in you be brighter than the light shining on you.”

    Also on The Madison Record
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – When Chelsea Young moved to Madison in 2016, Madison City Schools held “a reputation for academic excellence and for one of the best distric...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – Annabel Richter’s work can confirm that a student has a solid path to a well-rounded education. Columbia Elementary School’s faculty and sta...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Madison, Madison County Record, News, ...
    Summer camp
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON - A local church’s special event connected on a personal level with 130-plus children who celebrated faith and friendship. Starting summer in ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Living, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Downtown event to premiere in July for young entrepreneurs
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    MADISON – A special event for young, aspiring entrepreneurs and vendors will debut with Little Booths Market Day on July 12. Little Booths Market Day ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    Living, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    Gregg Parker 
    June 25, 2025
    HUNTSVILLE - Top of Alabama Regional Council of Government or TARCOG wants your input. Affiliated with TARCOG, the Area Agency on Aging is conducting ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
    Living, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
    Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
    gregg@themadisonrecord.com 
    June 25, 2025
    By GREGG PARKER MADISON COUNTY -- Heart of the Valley YMCA has appointed a new president to lead the organization. Rob Gray has accepted the position ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Madison County Record, News, Sports, ...
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Bob Labbe 
    June 18, 2025
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    A: Main, Bob Jones High School, Madison, ...
    School leaders urge parents for feedback about rezoning
    Gregg Parker 
    June 18, 2025
    MADISON – With their continuous honors, Madison City Schools students have proven their mastery of the ‘three Rs – Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic.’ H...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism", "madison-record":"Madison Record"}{"madison-record":"Madison Record"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Get Legals or Public Notices Published
    Latest Local News
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    Journey Middle agrees on Chelsea Young as ‘Teacher of the Year’
    MADISON – When Chelsea Young moved to Madison in 2016, Madison City Schools held “a reputation for academic excellence and for one of the best distric...
    June 25, 2025
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    Columbia recognizes Annabel Richter as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
    MADISON – Annabel Richter’s work can confirm that a student has a solid path to a well-rounded education. Columbia Elementary School’s faculty and sta...
    June 25, 2025
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    ‘Because of Jesus’ summer camp nurtures 130 youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    MADISON - A local church’s special event connected on a personal level with 130-plus children who celebrated faith and friendship. Starting summer in ...
    June 25, 2025
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    Little Booths Market Day to premiere for young retailers
    MADISON – A special event for young, aspiring entrepreneurs and vendors will debut with Little Booths Market Day on July 12. Little Booths Market Day ...
    June 25, 2025
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    TARCOG asks for input on services that benefit senior citizens
    HUNTSVILLE - Top of Alabama Regional Council of Government or TARCOG wants your input. Affiliated with TARCOG, the Area Agency on Aging is conducting ...
    June 25, 2025

    More Local News

    Our Latest E-edition
    Read the most recent edition
    Latest Stories
    MVP urges everyone to turn out for ‘Big Weekend of Service’
    MVP urges everyone to turn out for ‘Big Weekend of Service’
    MADISON – Madison Visionary Partners or MVP invites all ages, backgrounds and aptitudes to join hometown volunteer forces during the Big Weekend of Se...
    June 18, 2025
    For 6th year, Matt Curtis Real Estate named no. 1 in state
    For 6th year, Matt Curtis Real Estate named no. 1 in state
    HUNTSVILLE - For the sixth consecutive year, Matt Curtis Real Estate has been ranked as the no. 1 real estate team in Alabama. In addition, this team ...
    June 18, 2025
    Bob Jones student wins in NYC challenge for musical theatre
    Bob Jones student wins in NYC challenge for musical theatre
    MADISON – For his talent in composition, Karsten Wallace of Madison is a winner in the 2024-2025 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School...
    June 18, 2025
    Liberty student among finalists in National Science Bee
    Liberty student among finalists in National Science Bee
    MADISON – His solid, technical background earned Ryan Ranjan a top place in the 2025 National Science Bee, organized by International Academic Competi...
    June 18, 2025
    Local teen sets Guinness World Record for Girl Scouts Silver Award
    Local teen sets Guinness World Record for Girl Scouts Silver Award
    MADISON - Madeline Harper was so determined to achieve the Silver Award in Girl Scouts that she decided to set a world record to reach it. Madeline is...
    June 11, 2025
    poll
    Latest Sports
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    Mitch Daly on the move: Former Bob Jones standout moving from Trash Pandas to 66ers
    MADISON- The Rocket City Trash Pandas has made a series of player moves including Mitch Daly. The Bob Jones High graduate and only local player to sui...
    June 18, 2025
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    Daly returns home to play for Trash Pandas
    MADISON - Since birth, Mitch Daly has always been on the move as his father, Ed, is a four-star general in the U.S. Army causing him to pack up his wi...
    May 26, 2025
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    Thousands expected for Memorial Day’s Cotton Row Run
    HUNTSVILLE - The Cotton Row Run is a community event. The annual Memorial Day extravaganza, held in downtown Huntsville, again this year will attract ...
    May 20, 2025
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    Madison Academy girls surge into soccer finals
    HUNTSVILLE – Madison Academy entered the state soccer tournament scoreless in three previous games at John Hunt Park, including against Donoho last se...
    May 9, 2025
    Have bat, will travel: Bob Jones seeks offense on road in semifinals
    Have bat, will travel: Bob Jones seeks offense on road in semifinals
    MADISON – Bob Jones has left little margin for error as it seeks to repeat as Class 7A state baseball champions. The Patriots, however, have done just...
    May 7, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Business
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Business
      • Sponsored Content

    Other Publications

    Madison Living Logo Living 50 Plus Logo

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , The Madison Record