Ryan Raburn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ryan Raburn |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Raburn with the Colorado Rockies in 2016
|
|||
| Outfielder | |||
| Born: April 17, 1981 Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| September 12, 2004, for the Detroit Tigers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| July 22, 2017, for the Washington Nationals | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .253 | ||
| Home runs | 93 | ||
| Runs batted in | 358 | ||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
Ryan Neil Raburn (born April 17, 1981) is an American former professional baseball player. He played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Ryan played for the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, and Washington Nationals. He was a very versatile player, meaning he could play almost any position on the field. He played every position except for catcher and shortstop during his career.
Contents
Early Baseball Journey
High School and College Years
Ryan Raburn went to Durant High School in Plant City, Florida. After high school, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays picked him in the 1999 Major League Baseball draft. But Ryan decided not to sign with them. Instead, he chose to play college baseball. He first played for the University of Florida before moving to South Florida Community College.
Professional Baseball Career
Starting with the Detroit Tigers
After two years of college baseball, the Detroit Tigers chose Ryan in the 5th round of the 2001 Major League Baseball draft. Ryan signed with the Tigers and began playing in the minor leagues. His main position was third base.
Minor League Steps
In 2001, Ryan started with the Gulf Coast League Tigers. He then moved up to the Oneonta Tigers. He was recognized as a short-season all-star by Baseball America. He led his league with eight triples. Even with some errors, Baseball America named him one of Detroit's top prospects.
In 2002, Ryan faced a hip injury but returned to play for the West Michigan Whitecaps. He had a good hitting streak and finished the season with six home runs. He continued to be seen as a promising player for the Tigers.
Ryan started 2003 with West Michigan before moving to the Lakeland Tigers. He hit 12 home runs and had 56 RBI for Lakeland.
Making it to the Major Leagues
In 2004, the Tigers needed players in the middle of the infield. So, they moved Ryan to second base. He was called up to the major leagues in September 2004. Ryan made his MLB debut on September 12. A few days later, on September 16, he got his first big league hit. It was an RBI double against Cleveland Indians pitcher CC Sabathia.
Ryan spent all of 2005 playing for the Toledo Mud Hens, a Triple-A team. He hit 19 home runs that year. After the 2006 season, the Tigers decided not to add Ryan to their main roster. This meant other teams could pick him up, but no one did. So, he stayed with the Tigers and their Triple-A team.
2007 Season Highlights
Ryan returned to the major leagues in 2007. This happened when another Tigers player was suspended. Ryan quickly made an impact, getting an RBI single in his first at-bat. On July 25, he had an amazing game against the Chicago White Sox. He went 4-for-5 with two home runs, a double, and a single. He also had seven RBIs in that game. Ryan earned the 2007 Tigers Rookie of the Year award.
2008 Season and Versatility
For the first time, Ryan started the 2008 season on the Tigers' main roster. He played many different positions throughout the year. His manager, Jim Leyland, often used him as a defensive player late in games. Ryan hit his first career grand slam on June 28, 2008. This big hit came against Colorado Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis. He also had a four-hit game on August 5.
2009 Season and Walk-Off Heroics
In 2009, Ryan worked on learning to play catcher and first base. This was to make him even more versatile. He started the season in the minor leagues but was called up to Detroit in April. On June 8, 2009, he made his first start at first base. This meant he had now started at six different positions in the major leagues.
On June 23, 2009, Ryan hit his first career walk-off home run. This exciting hit won the game for the Tigers against the Chicago Cubs. Ryan said it was the first walk-off home run he had ever hit, even going back to Little League!
2010 and 2011 Seasons
Ryan became a key player for the Tigers in 2010. He filled in for injured players and played almost every position. He had a strong second half of the season. By the end of 2010, he had a .280 batting average with 15 home runs.
In 2011, Ryan signed a two-year contract extension. He started as the regular left fielder. Later in the season, he played more at second base. He finished the 2011 season with 14 home runs.
2012 Season and Departure
The 2012 season was tough for Ryan. He struggled with his hitting and was sent back to the minor leagues for a short time. He finished the season with a .171 batting average. On November 20, the Tigers released him.
Time with the Cleveland Indians
On January 19, 2013, Ryan signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians. After a good spring training, he made the Indians' opening day roster.
Ryan had an amazing week from April 29 to May 5, 2013. He batted .591 with 4 home runs and 9 RBIs. Because of this, he won the American League Player of the Week award.
On August 7, 2013, Ryan and the Indians agreed to a new contract. The next day, in a long game, Ryan even pitched an inning for the Indians! He pitched a perfect inning and struck out a batter.
Ryan was mostly used as a right fielder for the Indians. He hit .272 with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs. He was part of a group of bench players called the 'Goon Squad' who had a lot of success.
Later Career Teams
Colorado Rockies
On March 4, 2016, Ryan signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies. He played in 113 games for them, hitting 9 home runs.
Cincinnati Reds
In February 2017, Ryan signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He was released by the Reds in March 2017.
Chicago White Sox
On April 8, 2017, Ryan signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.
Washington Nationals
The White Sox traded Ryan to the Washington Nationals on May 26, 2017. He joined the major league team in June. On July 3, Ryan hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning. This hit gave the Nationals a 3-2 win. He signed another minor league contract with the Nationals in November 2017 but was released in March 2018.
Honors and Awards
- 2001 Single-A All Star, New York–Penn League
- 2006 Triple-A All Star, International League
- 2007 Triple-A All Star, International League
- 2007 Detroit Tigers Rookie of the Year
- International League Player of the Month, June 2007
- American League Player of the Week, April 29 – May 5, 2013
Personal Life
Ryan Raburn is married to his wife Suzanne. They live in Balm, Florida. Ryan's brother, Johnny Raburn, also played minor league baseball.
