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On a beautiful April afternoon at Captains Park, just before the first pitch was thrown out against rival Randolph-Macon, the Christopher Newport community gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Ricky R. Medina Jr. ’06 — a proud Captain, devoted teammate, and beloved father, husband and son. During a special pre-game ceremony, the baseball press box was officially dedicated in honor of the late alumnus.
Medina, a standout infielder who helped lead the Captains in their historic 2003 run to the College World Series, passed away in 2022 after a hard-fought battle with brain cancer.
“Ricky was one the fiercest competitors I have had in my 25 years here,” said longtime Head Coach John Harvell. “He transferred here in 2003 and made an immediate impact on our program. We were fortunate enough to have his younger brother play for us as well. I cannot think of a better way to honor Ricky than naming the press box after him. Now, future players will know the legacy of one of the players who helped build the national reputation of CNU Baseball.”
President William G. Kelly and Athletic Director Kyle McMullin joined Medina’s family and friends on the field for remarks about No.14’s life and his impact – both on and off the baseball diamond. Then, all eyes turned to the press box as confetti cannons marked the official naming of the space where so many Captain baseball moments have been called, including many of Medina’s.
“When I first saw his name up there on the press box, I was overwhelmed with pride. It was such an honor to be Ricky’s wife, and we are doing everything we can to make him proud, and keep his memory alive,” said Victoria Medina. “Knowing what the CNU baseball stadium means to the Medina family, and how many memories they shared there, makes it such a special moment to experience with them. Between Ricky, and his brother Travis, the Medina family spent many years at that ballfield, and now his name is on it forever.”
In addition to the press box naming, Medina’s legacy lives on through the Medina14 Foundation, launched by Victoria Medina. The Foundation supports youth athletic programs, brain cancer research, scholarships for future Captains and support for CNU Baseball and Athletics. Victoria Medina was joined by Ricky’s parents, Rick and Betty Medina; his brother, Travis ‘12, and sister-in-law, Felicia ‘12 – both former CNU student-athletes; and her parents, Vinny and Ellen Sica, and sister, Regina Sica, for the dedication. Medina’s 4-year old son, Ricky, took the mound with his mother to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, which was met with enthusiastic high-fives from the team.
Medina’s legacy is described as one of heart – and hustle. A two-time All-Conference selection, and an All-State selection in three seasons, including a first team selection at second base as a senior, Medina started every game of his CNU career –119 in all – and wrapped up his three-year career hitting .288 with a .437 slugging percentage and a .378 on-base percentage. He slugged 13 career home runs and 19 doubles with 116 total hits.
Now, above the field where he played, his name stands as a lasting tribute.
Said Victoria Medina: “Ricky truly was the best husband. He was so easy to love, and made everyone around him feel loved. His passion for sports was apparent within minutes of meeting him. He could talk about any game and any team. His love for CNU Baseball carried far past his time at the University. He spoke with so much pride about his teammates and coaches. His love for baseball and sports has without a doubt been passed down to our son. He is only four and already obsessed with his Washington sports teams. He is loving T-ball and is lucky to have his Uncle Travis and Grandpa Rick Sr. coaching. Ricky would be so proud of him.”