Tyson Ross facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tyson Ross
Ross with the Detroit Tigers in 2019
Pitcher
Born: (1987-04-22) April 22, 1987 (age 38) Berkeley, California, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
April 7, 2010, for the Oakland Athletics
Last appearance
May 10, 2019, for the Detroit Tigers
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	44–70
Earned run average	4.04
Strikeouts	816
Teams
Oakland Athletics (2010–2012) San Diego Padres (2013–2016) Texas Rangers (2017) San Diego Padres (2018) St. Louis Cardinals (2018) Detroit Tigers (2019)
Career highlights and awards
All-Star (2014)
Medals Men's baseball Representing USA Pan American Games Silver 2007 Rio de Janeiro Team

Tyson William Ross (born April 22, 1987) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams, including the Oakland Athletics and San Diego Padres. Tyson was picked by the Athletics in the 2nd round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He started playing in MLB in 2010 and was chosen as an MLB All-Star in 2014.

Tyson Ross's Early Baseball Days

Tyson Ross grew up in Oakland, California. He went to Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland. In 2004, when he was a junior, he hit really well, with seven home runs. He also pitched great, with a low ERA of 1.53. In 2005, as a senior, he was named the Player of the Year. He had an amazing record of 12 wins and only 1 loss, with a super low 0.71 ERA and 130 strikeouts.

Ross pitching for Cal in 2007

After high school, Tyson went to the University of California, Berkeley. He studied American Studies and played college baseball for the California Golden Bears baseball team. In 2007, he won an award for being the best fielding pitcher in the country. He was also chosen for the All Pac-10 Conference team in both 2007 and 2008. During his college career, Tyson had 271 strikeouts, which is one of the highest in Cal's history.

Tyson Ross's Professional Baseball Journey

Tyson Ross was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the second round of the 2008 MLB draft. He signed a contract for $694,000 to start his professional career.

Starting in the Minor Leagues

In 2008, Tyson played in 6 games for the Single-A Kane County Cougars. He had a 4.66 ERA. In 2009, he started with the Single-A Stockton Ports, where he pitched in 18 games. He then moved up to the Double-A Midland RockHounds, making 9 starts.

Playing for the Oakland Athletics (2010–2012)

Tyson Ross was seen as one of Oakland's top young players in 2010. Even though he hadn't played much in the higher minor leagues, he made it to the MLB team! He made his MLB debut on April 7, 2010, against the Seattle Mariners. He even struck out his childhood hero, Ken Griffey Jr., who was the first batter he faced. In his next game, he got his first career save. Later, on May 11, he earned his first MLB win.

Tyson started the 2011 season in the bullpen, but then moved into the starting rotation. He pitched well with a 2.75 ERA before getting injured. He didn't return to the A's that season. In 2012, Tyson was expected to be a regular starter for the A's. He moved between the A's and their Triple-A team. He finished the season as a reliever for the A's. While with the Oakland Athletics, Tyson wore the number 66. This was special because it was the number of the street where he first played baseball, 66th Avenue, near the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum.

Time with the San Diego Padres (2013–2016)

Ross with San Diego

In November 2012, Tyson Ross was traded to the San Diego Padres. He worked hard in spring training 2013 and earned a spot as a starting pitcher. He had to take some time off due to a shoulder injury. When he came back, he pitched from the bullpen for a while. Later in the season, he returned to being a starter and pitched very well. He finished 2013 with a 3.17 ERA.

Tyson had a great year in 2014. He won 13 games and had a fantastic 2.81 ERA. He also had 195 strikeouts, which was one of the best in the National League. He threw a lot of sliders, more than any other pitcher in Major League Baseball that year. He won the Padres' Pitcher of the Year Award in 2014.

He continued his success in 2015, starting a league-high 33 games. He had a career-high 212 strikeouts and a 3.26 ERA. He also won the Padres' Pitcher of the Year Award again in 2015. In 2016, Tyson signed a $9.625 million contract. He was the opening day starter, but his season ended in the very first game because of a shoulder injury. He had surgery in October to fix the problem. After the season, the Padres let him become a free agent.

Playing for the Texas Rangers (2017)

Tyson Ross signed a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers in January 2017. He made his first appearance for them on June 16, earning a win. He was later placed on the disabled list due to a blister on his finger. He was released by the Rangers in September 2017.

Back with the Padres (2018)

In December 2017, Tyson signed a minor league contract to return to the Padres. He earned a spot in their starting rotation and began pitching for them again in April 2018. On April 20, Tyson and another pitcher, Brad Hand, almost threw a no-hitter, only allowing one hit in the entire game. He pitched 7.2 innings and allowed the only hit.

Short Stint with the St. Louis Cardinals (2018)

Ross with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018

The St. Louis Cardinals picked up Tyson Ross in August 2018. He played in nine games for them, mostly as a reliever, and had a good record of 2 wins and 0 losses with a 2.73 ERA.

Final Season with the Detroit Tigers (2019)

On December 10, 2018, Tyson signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers. He won his first game as a Tiger on April 7, 2019. He was placed on the disabled list in May due to an elbow injury. He did not pitch again after that injury, ending his 2019 season with a 1-5 record.

Later Career and Retirement

Tyson signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants in January 2020. However, he was released in June 2020. On July 2, Tyson announced that he would not play in the 2020 season. His younger brother, Joe Ross, made the same decision. In February 2021, Tyson signed another minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. But he was released in May without playing any games for them.

Working in Baseball's Front Office

On February 18, 2023, Tyson Ross was hired by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He now works as a special assistant, helping with player development and performance.

Playing for Team USA

Tyson Ross played for Team USA in 2007. He competed in the Pan-American Games and the World Port Tournament. He also played for the USA Baseball Junior National teams in 2004 and 2005.

Tyson Ross's Pitching Style

Tyson Ross used four main pitches when he was on the mound. His best pitch was a four-seam fastball, which he threw very fast, usually between 90 and 95 miles per hour. He also threw a two-seam fastball (also 90–95 mph), a slider (84–89 mph), and a changeup (87–89 mph). He mostly used his changeup against left-handed batters. For right-handed batters, his slider was his main pitch to get strikeouts.

Tyson Ross's Family Life

Tyson has a younger brother named Joe Ross, who was also a professional baseball pitcher. Joe played for the Washington Nationals and now plays for the Milwaukee Brewers. Tyson's father, Willie, is a pediatrician (a doctor for children), and his mother, Jean, is an emergency room nurse. His sister, Frankie, played soccer in college at Portland State University.

Images for kids

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  Ross with the Detroit Tigers in 2019

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  Ross pitching for Cal in 2007

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  Ross with San Diego

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  Ross with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018