Ryan Thompson
A native of Lakeland, Florida, Ryan (’00 Kathleen High) stuck with his roots in Central Florida during his college years at Florida Southern (’00-’04). A four-year letterman, he was twice named to the Sunshine State All-Conference team, pitcher of the week, and left the Mocs as the all-time appearance leader.
After college, Ryan signed with the Houston Astros and was assigned with the Greeneville Astros of the Appalachian League. He was a pivotal part of the staff on their march to a league championship. After making the Lexington Legends (South Atlantic) team out of his first spring training, he earned pitcher of the month honors for April, and became the teams closer by the end of the year, notching double digit saves. The following year, he was placed on the Salem Avalanche (Carolina), where he again earned the closers role, double digit saves, and helping his team secure the playoffs by an improbable run of 14 straight wins. His efforts where rewarded with a brief call up to triple-A for the league championship series. Entering the past season with Corpus Christi (Texas), he was the youngest reliever in the bullpen, and was used as the mostly as the set-up man until an injury in late July. After coming back, he was used during the stretch to try to make a playoff run, but fell two games short.
Ryan makes his off-season home in Lakeland, loves to talk, mostly about baseball and loves helping kids achieve their goals by putting forth his knowledge. He is currently writing a book about baseball, pitching, and the life through it.