Watch Acceptance Speech |
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Ryan Alan Roberts was born September 19, 1980, in Fort Worth, Texas. He attended Donna Park Elementary, Bedford Junior High and graduated from LD Bell High School in 1999. While at BHS, his baseball highlights included: 1997.1998.1999 All District, All Northeast Tarrant County by the Fort Worth Star Telegram; 1999 District 6-5A MVP; 1999 Texas All-State.
He attended Eastfield College and won the NJCAA Division III World Series. He was named MAC All-American short stop and All-Conference and also awarded All- American honors with a .475 avg., 17 homeruns, and 73 RBI’s. Went to University of Texas Arlington for the 2002-2003 seasons. In 2002, Ryan was awarded SLC Newcomer of the Year. He was also 2002-2003 Player and Hitter of the year where he led in 8 offensive categories. Before drafted in 2003, Ryan was awarded 1st Team SLC, and several All-Americans. John Manual described him as the best player on UTA’s squad which also included Hunter Pence. He was drafted in the 18th round with the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2003, he made the Single A All-Star team in the SAL League. In 2004, he made the single A all Star team in the Florida State League and in 2005, made the AA All Star team in the Eastern League. Ryan made first big league appearance August 3, 2006. His first major league hit was a home run in Yankee Stadium. Ryan was awarded the Heart and Hustle award for the national league in 2011 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He joined Babe Ruth and Jason Giambi with a walk off grand slam in extra innings. He won the NL West in 2011. His professional career included time with Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Tamp Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics. Ryan retired in 2015 after a 13 years. |