Raphael Cerrato

Head Baseball Coach URI

[A Soldier's Whisper @SoldiersWhisper]

I locked the classroom door and turned to twenty five high school seniors, the Class of 2026. They were supposed to be the digital generation, confident and plugged in. Instead, staring back at me under the glow of hidden phones, they just looked tired.

I asked them to turn their phones off. Not silent. Off.

On my desk sat an old olive green military rucksack that belonged to my father. For weeks they ignored it, assuming it was just junk. They didn’t know it was the heaviest thing in the building.

I dragged it to the center of the room. Thud.

I told them we weren’t doing the Constitution that day. I handed out blank index cards with three rules. No names. Total honesty. Write down the heaviest thing you are carrying.

At first, no one moved. Then Sarah, straight A student, perfect everything, started writing. Then Marcus, the football captain, hunched over his card and wrote just three words.

One by one, they folded their cards and dropped them into the bag.

I zipped it shut and told them this bag was who they really were. Then I began to read.

A father pretending to go to work after losing his job. A student carrying Narcan for their mom. A kid mapping exits everywhere. A teen trapped between parents screaming about politics. A girl with thousands of followers crying alone at night.

Then the last card.

I don’t want to be here anymore. I’m just waiting for a sign to stay.

Marcus was crying openly. Sarah was holding the hand of a boy who usually sat alone. The cliques were gone. They were just kids carrying too much.

I told them the bag would stay in the room so they wouldn’t have to carry it alone anymore.

When the bell rang, no one rushed out. Every student stopped and touched the rucksack on the way out. I see you.

That night, a parent emailed me. Their son hugged them for the first time in years and asked for help.

Everyone you pass is carrying something you can’t see. Be kind. Be curious. Ask the people you love what they’re carrying. You might save a life.

[Rhody Baseball @RhodyBaseball]

🗣️ calling all future Rams 🗣️

register for our January Prospect Camp today⚾️meet our staff, tour our facilities, & show your stuff

details HERE 🔽🔽🔽

🔗: https://t.co/QiSvSXPacn

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

Amazing sky tonight

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

@bradfo @seadogs @Marlins Marlins picking up a great coach!

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

Fun day at the beach for the annual @RhodyBaseball spike ball tourney. Congrats to @sam_houchens & @PaulCalandrelli for a dominating performance.

[Cliff Godwin @cgodwin23]

Our system is so BROKEN! We have coaches at P4 schools texting our players directly who are not in portal! And we have proof!

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

@cgodwin23 Basically,,, Stop cheating!

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

@believe_us_all You are a f-ing moron

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

@GuntherEagleman @SenateGOP They are a joke. 👎🏼

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

@RhodyBaseball prospect camp on Sunday! Spots still available. Looking for ‘26 & ‘27 grads. Visit https://t.co/ZnCf8DI3GP for registration details

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

@RhodyBaseball 3rd annual Spike ball tourney. Congrats to Will Hindle & Brody McKenzie!

[URI @universityofri]

URI is the No. 1 public university in New England according to the Wall Street Journal in its 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings! This recognition reflects our commitment to student success by providing broad access to a high-quality education.
➡️ https://t.co/YX5J2GBWfG

[Rhody Baseball @RhodyBaseball]

Baseball is back in 7️⃣0️⃣ days. ⚓️

#GoRhody

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

2nd annual Rhody Baseball Spikeball tourney. Great day at the beach. congrats to Mike Anderson & Eric Genther. Dominating performance!

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

Great for these two Rams to connect at the golf outing earlier this week.

Anthony DePino is currently tied with Mike Le Bel for our career home run record with 30.

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

Congratulations to Smithfield LL! Way to represent the Ocean State. Best of luck in Williamsport! #LLWS

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

My father turns 90 today. What an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, as well as an educator. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his love & support. Such a positive influence on so many lives

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

What a beautiful picture.. #pearls

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

This is where you stretch when the wind chill is -15 @RhodyBaseball #keaney

[Raphael Cerrato @RCerrato18]

Special thanks to Minnesota Twins manager & Rhode Islander @roccodbaldelli for talking some baseball with the boys today.