Deckplates to Dugouts: JFK Sailor balances Navy life and Softball
As an RS, Ramos’ days are a combination of manifests, supply chains and the constant hum of a ship coming to life. Every shipment has to be accounted for. The Navy demands precision and Ramos delivers it with the same focus he once brought to the batter’s box.
“Being in supply, I manage by staying organized,” said Ramos. “There are times when it [Navy life] can be difficult, but I’ve learned that you can make it work. Playing baseball actually helped me become a better Sailor. The same things that make you a good teammate are important in the Navy as well.”
Just as a softball player must continuously read the pitch, adjust their stance in the batter's box and rely on team chemistry to drive runners' home, a Navy retail specialist must constantly read consumption trends, adjust stock levels, and collaborate with the crew to deliver vital goods that impact the ship’s mission.
“He shows up every day ready to perform – nothing gets in his way,” U.S. Navy Chief Retail Specialist Shiva Augustus, the leading chief petty officer for Supply Department’s S-13 maintenance division. “When it comes down to having a strong team, you need an even stronger leader to know the ropes, keep the team on track and mission ready, and take accountability.”
While serving in the Navy, Ramos still felt his passion for sports; it never left his soul. He did some research and found the All-Navy Softball team through Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR). This could give him an opportunity to get back to the sport he had always loved. Soon after, Ramos started training again to prepare for tryouts.
According to MWR, All-Navy Softball is an opportunity for Sailors with the appropriate skill set to compete at the highest level in the Armed Forces. Players who are selected to attend the trial camp compete for available roster spots. Once selected, the players practice and compete in tournaments, working toward a spot in the Armed Forces Championships. After the dust has settled and the Navy has won the gold medalat the Armed Forces tournament, higher-level opportunities still exist for a select few. Top performers, depending on availability, will represent the United States Armed Forces at the ASA National Softball Championships.
Due to his hard work and dedication, Ramos was selected to the 2024 All Navy Softball Team and is currently in his third season. This achievement brought a challenging task of balancing active-duty Navy life while competing again. When the workday ends, another uniform awaits him. It is the familiar Navy blue stitched with the words All-Navy Softball. The transition was seamless in his mind; the discipline of the Navy and the discipline of softball were two sides of the same coin. On the field, he found the rhythm that kept him grounded. The crack of the bat, the snap of the glove—it was a language he’d spoken since childhood.
“I’ve been playing baseball for most of my life, and the game has always meant much more to me than just playing a sport,” said Ramos. “It taught me how to handle both success and failure. No matter how good you are, there’s always another game and another opportunity to get better. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my life. Being able to continue playing while serving in the Navy is something I’m extremely grateful for.”
Balancing both worlds wasn’t easy. There were nights when his muscles ached from early morning drills and late evening practices. There were days when a supply deadline loomed, and he’d have to push batting practice into the shadows of the night.
“The Navy comes first, and making sure I’m taking care of my responsibilities, and my team is always my priority,” said Ramos. “At the same time, having the opportunity to play softball gives me something that I really enjoy and allows me to recharge. The support from my leadership has made a huge difference.”
Ramos thrived on the challenge. Baseball taught him patience, resilience and the art of staying calm under pressure—skills that translated perfectly to the Navy’s demands. When asked how he managed it all, Ramos would simply smile.
“Softball keeps me sharp. The Navy keeps me steady. Together, they keep me whole,” he explained.
In the quiet moments standing in the dugout before a game or leaning against a bulkhead after a long shift, Ramos understands that his two worlds do not compete. Instead, they complement each other. Baseball gives him the mental clarity to excel in his Navy role, and naval service gives him the purpose and structure to keep chasing excellence on the field.
As John F. Kennedy prepares for her commissioning, Ramos knows that whether he is tracking a shipment or tracking a fly ball, he is exactly where he was meant to be — serving his country, one pitch at a time.
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