When opportunity finally knocks, River Forest senior Macario Ramirez is ready. ‘He’s bought in since day one.’

River Forest senior Macario Ramirez’s perseverance is paying dividends.

After playing sparingly during his first three seasons, Ramirez has emerged as a “staple” for the Ingots, according to coach Michael Kosinski.

“I would say he’s our captain and the real glue to our team,” Kosinski said. “He coordinates everything with the guys. He hangs out with the guys. He does a really good job of stepping up and being a leader.

“He’s the epitome of a great teammate. He does his job. He does what’s asked. The first three years, he did have guys ahead of him that were the starters, but he never shied away from hard work. He always came to offseason workouts, always did his part, always helped out, picking up guys in the dugout. This year he’s gotten his opportunity, and he’s been great for us.”

Ramirez, who plays multiple positions for the Ingots (13-6), hasn’t taken that opportunity for granted.

“It’s been good in a new role,” he said. “Everyone needs to step up every year. It’s going to be different every year, and it just feels good to have the opportunity, the feeling the coach trusts in me, putting me in the positions he’s put me in. I try not to care about what people think about me, but I do. It just builds up my confidence more and more.

“A lot of it is a game of confidence. Them having trust in me, with me not having that much experience at the high school level, but them still putting me in those positions, it feels good. The people ahead of me definitely earned it. But there were moments I was like, ‘I could’ve been the one in that position.’ I’ve just been eager to get on the field. It’s a sport, and the whole purpose is to have fun with it.”

Playing with Ramirez is fun, according to River Forest junior outfielder Jeremiah Brooks.

“He’s a really nice guy,” Brooks said. “He definitely brings a lot of energy to the team. He keeps us alive in some moments, keeps the momentum going. He keeps everybody’s heads up.

“He’s just really positive to be around. He’s one of the guys you can love on the team and be close with. There’s really no flaws with him. You can make a good relationship with him on the spot. Having him as a teammate is pretty cool. You’re just comfortable around him.”

Ramirez, who plays second base or third base when he isn’t pitching, has grown comfortable with his expanded responsibilities. He already has more at-bats, plate appearances and hits than he totaled in his first three seasons. He has matched his total RBIs.

“His bat’s been coming alive, and defensively he’s been great for us,” Kosinski said.

Ramirez has made an even bigger impact on the mound, going 2-1 with a team-high two saves and 21 strikeouts heading into a Greater South Shore Conference game against Illiana Christian on Monday. He’s second on the team with eight appearances and 22 innings.

Ramirez’s only previous pitching experience was 2/3 of an inning last season.