Brendan Ryan is a former professional baseball player who played as a shortstop for various teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on March 26, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, and attended Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho.
Ryan began his professional baseball career in 2003 when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh round of the MLB draft. He spent several years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2007. Ryan quickly established himself as a reliable defensive player, known for his strong arm and quick reflexes. He played for the Cardinals until 2010, earning a reputation as one of the best defensive shortstops in the league.
In 2011, Ryan was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he continued to excel defensively. He also showed improvement at the plate, hitting a career-high .292 in 2012. However, his offensive production declined in subsequent years, and he was traded to the New York Yankees in 2013.
Ryan played for the Yankees for two seasons, serving primarily as a backup infielder. He was known for his versatility, playing multiple positions including shortstop, second base, and third base. In 2015, Ryan signed with the Washington Nationals but was released before the start of the season.
Ryan signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016 but was released in May of that year. He then signed with the Detroit Tigers, where he played in 22 games before being released in August. Ryan announced his retirement from baseball in 2017.
Throughout his career, Ryan was known for his exceptional defensive skills and work ethic. He won the Fielding Bible Award for best defensive shortstop in 2012 and was a finalist for the award in several other years. He also earned a reputation as a hard worker and a team player, earning the respect of his coaches and teammates.
In addition to his baseball career, Ryan has been involved in various charitable endeavors. He has worked with organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of America, and has been recognized for his contributions to his community.
Overall, Brendan Ryan had a successful career as a professional baseball player, known for his defensive prowess and versatility on the field. While his offensive production was not always consistent, he was a valuable asset to his teams and earned the respect of his peers for his hard work and dedication.
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