Spring Training always brings a sense of renewal. Pitchers and catchers report. Gloves pop. Routines return. And across major league camps, coaches quietly go to work shaping the season ahead.

One of those coaches has deep Elgin roots.

Ryan Sienko, a 2012 inductee into the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame, is entering another Spring Training as the Catching Coach for the Detroit Tigers — and his impact is being felt in a big way.

This offseason, Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler captured the 2025 American League Gold Glove Award. Among the first people Dingler reached out to after the announcement? Ryan Sienko.

In a recent interview with The Detroit News, Dingler credited Sienko’s steady leadership and collaborative coaching style as instrumental in his development.

“It’s night and day what he did for me,” Dingler said. “He’s always there trying to find solutions for us. I can’t say enough good things about the guy.”

Dingler’s defensive metrics tell the story: elite framing numbers, a strong caught-stealing rate, and over 1,000 innings of consistent excellence. But the larger story is about trust, communication, and growth — hallmarks of Sienko’s approach.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all system. It’s problem-solving. It’s relationship-building. It’s meeting players where they are and helping them improve.

Over his time in professional baseball, Sienko has now worked with four Gold Glove nominees in back-to-back seasons — including Jake Rogers (Tigers), Will Smith (Dodgers), Carson Kelly (Cubs), and now American League winner Dillon Dingler.

For Elgin, that’s something special.

Before his professional coaching career began, Sienko built his foundation in Elgin as a standout at Larkin High School, where he earned All-Conference honors and established himself as one of the area’s premier defensive catchers. His baseball IQ, leadership behind the plate, and work ethic were evident early — traits that would carry him through a collegiate career at University of Iowa and eventually into professional baseball. In 2012, he was inducted into the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of both his playing accomplishments and his continued impact on the game.

Today, as Spring Training unfolds and another season begins, there’s a piece of Elgin quietly influencing the game at the highest level.

And that’s what the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame is all about — not just championships and statistics, but the lasting impact our community members make wherever the game takes them.

From youth diamonds in Elgin to Major League ballparks, Ryan Sienko continues to represent his hometown with pride.

As pitchers and catchers settle into camp, Elgin has a reason to smile.