Royce Ring

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Royce Ring
Ring with the Braves in 2008.
Pitcher
Born: (1980-12-21) December 21, 1980 (age 43)
La Mesa, California, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
April 29, 2005, for the New York Mets
Last MLB appearance
October 3, 2010, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Win–loss record3–3
Earned run average5.29
Strikeouts55
Teams

Roger Royce Ring (born December 21, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees.

Amateur career[edit]

Ring was born in La Mesa, California. He graduated from Monte Vista High School (Spring Valley, California). He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 41st round of the 1999 MLB Draft, but did not sign.[1]

He attended San Diego State University, where he became a star closer after dropping 42 pounds in his sophomore year.[2] In 2002, as a junior, Ring went 5-1 with a 1.85 ERA and 17 saves, a mark that stood until Addison Reed recorded 20 in 2009.[3] He was also named a third-team All-American in 2002[4] and first-team All-Mountain West Conference in 2001 and 2002.[5]

In 2003, Ring was named to the USA Baseball Olympic Qualifying Team ahead of the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.[6]

Professional career[edit]

Chicago White Sox[edit]

He was selected by the Chicago White Sox as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.[7] That year, he pitched to a 3.21 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 11 walks in 24 games between the Arizona League and the High-A Carolina League. In 2003, he pitched for the Birmingham Barons in Double-A , compiling a 2.52 ERA, 19 saves, 44 strikeouts, and 14 walks in 35.2 innings.[8]

New York Mets[edit]

Ring (left) talks with Nationals pitcher Jon Rauch in 2008

In 2003, Ring was acquired by the New York Mets with Edwin Almonte and Andrew Salvo in the trade that sent Roberto Alomar and cash to the White Sox.[9][10] That year, he participated in the All-Star Futures Game[11] and held a 1.66 ERA in 21.2 innings with the Binghamton Mets.[12]

Ring's performance suffered in the 2004 season, and the Mets made it clear he was no longer considered the team's closer of the closer. Instead, he would need to pitch more often and in different situations to be considered for a role in the majors.[13] After posting a 3.63 ERA in 34.2 innings with the Norfolk Tides in Triple-A, he was demoted after the All-Star break. The Mets left him unprotected in the Rule 5 draft that offseason after he gained close to 20 pounds.[14][15]

However, he lost the excess weight and dropped his arm angle for the 2005 season and saw better results.[14] Back in Triple-A, Ring allowed one run in nine innings and was called up to the big leagues.[16] He made his Major League debut on April 29 against the Washington Nationals.[17] Ring posted a disappointing 5.06 ERA with 10 walks in 10.2 innings for the Mets, but went 3–0 with a 3.26 ERA in 33 games for Triple-A Norfolk.[18][19]

Fully embracing his role as a situational left, Ring pitched to a 2.97 ERA in 39.1 innings at Triple-A.[19] He was recalled to the big leagues on August 2, 2006.[20] Three weeks later, he was sent back to Norfolk to make room on the 25-man roster for the newly acquired Shawn Green.[21] He later returned to the big league club as a September call up. Ring was included on the team's playoff roster for the 2006 National League Division Series but never entered a game.[22][23] He was dropped from the roster for the National League Championship Series.[24]

San Diego Padres[edit]

On November 15, 2006, Ring was traded along with Heath Bell to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Ben Johnson and reliever Jon Adkins.[25][26] After pitching to a 4.91 ERA in seven games that spring, he was cut from major league camp and began the 2007 season in Triple-A.[27] He was first called up to the Padres on April 30 and pitched in 15 games across two stints with the team.[28]

Atlanta Braves[edit]

Ring during batting practice with the Braves in 2008

On July 31, 2007, Ring was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Wilfredo Ledezma and pitching prospect Will Startup, then optioned to the Triple-A Richmond Braves.[29][30] He was called up when the rosters expanded on September 1.[31] In 2008, Ring was included on the Braves opening day roster.[32] After compiling an 8.46 ERA in 22.1 innings, he was designated for assignment on August 2, 2008.[33][34] He cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Richmond. He became a free agent at the end of the season.

St. Louis Cardinals[edit]

On January 5, 2009, Ring signed a one-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.[35] However, he was placed on outright waivers on March 25,[36] and accepted a minor league assignment to Triple-A with the Memphis Redbirds.[37]

New York Yankees[edit]

On January 12, 2010, Ring signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, and was invited to spring training.[38] Although he impressed the Yankees in spring training,[39] he was optioned to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.[40] Following the completion of the Triple-A season, the Yankees purchased Ring's contract and promoted him to the major leagues.[41] After the season, he was outrighted off the 40-man roster.[42]

Seattle Mariners[edit]

On December 14, 2010, Ring signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners and was invited to spring training.[43] However, he did not make the Mariners out of spring training and was sent to the minors on March 27.[44] He opted out of his contract on July 3 after posting a 6.08 ERA in 27 games.[45]

Boston Red Sox[edit]

Ring signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox on July 20, 2011.[46] Ring pitched in just nine games for Pawtucket.

Colorado Rockies[edit]

Ring signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies on February 22, 2012.[47]

Long Island Ducks[edit]

On May 26, 2013, Ring signed a contract with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[48]

Coaching career[edit]

Ring coaching with the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2017.

In May 2014 it was announced that Ring was retiring as a player to become the pitching coach for the Gulf Coast Mets, a rookie level minor league team in the New York Mets organization.[49] In 2016, he was named the pitching coach for the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League.[50] Ring became the pitching coach for the Short Season A Brooklyn Cyclones in 2017.[51] He was promoted to the Low-A Columbia Fireflies for 2019[52] and was promoted to the High-A St. Lucie Mets for 2020[53] before the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the MiLB realignment of 2021, Ring was assigned back to the Brooklyn Cyclones, who are now the High-A Affiliate of the New York Mets.[54]

On January 16, 2022, the Lotte Giants of the KBO League hired Ring to serve as the team's pitching coordinator.[55]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "1999 Cleveland Indians Draft Class - The Baseball Cube". TheBaseballCube.com. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  2. ^ Kruse, Michael (July 13, 2003). "Skippers agree closer's future is at Shea". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  3. ^ "Reed Named To 2010 NCBWA Preseason All-America Baseball Team". SDSU Athletics. December 16, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  4. ^ "Cougar 1st baseman named an All-American". Deseret News. June 1, 2002. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  5. ^ "Mountain West Announces 10th Anniversary Baseball Team". University of Utah Athletics. April 1, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  6. ^ "2003 USA Baseball Olympic Qualifying Team Official Roster Announced". www.chattanoogan.com. October 31, 2003. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  7. ^ "White Sox take lefty relief specialist". Chicago.whitesox.mlb.com. June 4, 2002. Archived from the original on December 9, 2010. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  8. ^ "Down on the Farm: Royce Ring". ESPN.com. July 1, 2003. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  9. ^ Caldwell, Dave (July 1, 2003). "Mets Trade Roberto Alomar to White Sox". New York Times. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  10. ^ "Mets to eat $3.75M as part of deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 3, 2003. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  11. ^ "MINORLBB - All-Star Futures Game rosters". www.espn.com. July 11, 2003. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  12. ^ "2003 Binghamton Mets Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  13. ^ Luttrell, Jim (May 7, 2004). "BASEBALL: MINOR LEAGUE REPORT; Mets Work Reliever To Define His Role". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Jenkins, Lee (July 2, 2005). "Randolph Is Molding Ring Into Setup Man". New York Times. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  15. ^ Rubin, Adam (April 17, 2005). "TOUCHING BASE. Royce's progress has nice Ring to it". New York Daily News. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  16. ^ Jenkins, Lee (April 27, 2005). "Duquette's Past Moves Have Begun to Pay Off". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  17. ^ Glier, Ray (April 30, 2005). "Lots of Hit and Lots of Miss for Mets". New York Times. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  18. ^ "Royce Ring 2005 Pitching Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  19. ^ a b Czerwinski, Kevin T. (July 11, 2006). "Ring matures as he changes roles". MILB.com. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  20. ^ "Mets recall LHP Royce Ring; Option RHP Mike Pelfrey to Norfolk". MLB.com. August 2, 2008. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012.
  21. ^ "Diamond notes: Mets get Green". Milford Daily News. August 23, 2006. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  22. ^ Rubin, Adam (October 9, 2006). "METS' PEN OFF TO FINE START. WILLIE-STYLE RELIEF MAY SWEEP MAJORS". New York Daily News. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  23. ^ Shpigel, Ben (October 6, 2006). "Through Patchwork, Mets Find Right Bullpen Formula". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  24. ^ "LA RUSSA HAS OPTION". Hartford Courant. October 12, 2006. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  25. ^ Lyle Spencer (November 15, 2006). "Pads add Ring, Bell to Hell's Bells | padres.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  26. ^ Shpigel, Ben (November 16, 2006). "Mets Add Outfielder at the Right Price". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  27. ^ Haynes, Dan (March 23, 2007). "Padres option ex-Aztec pitcher". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  28. ^ "Padres recall Ring". MiLB.com. June 22, 2007. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  29. ^ Blum, Ronald (August 1, 2007). "Rangers stay busy at trade deadline". Amarillo Globe-News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  30. ^ Costa, Brian (August 1, 2007). "Braves trade Davies for Dotel in one of three deadline deals". Savannah Morning News. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  31. ^ "Trachsel traded back to Chicago". Los Angeles Daily News. September 2, 2007. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  32. ^ "Atlanta Braves' Opening Day Roster Is Set". www.chattanoogan.com. March 29, 2008. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  33. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 2, 2008). "Braves designate Ring for assignment". Mlb.mlb.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  34. ^ "Braves Call Up Nunez And Designate Royce Ring For Assignment". www.chattanoogan.com. August 2, 2008. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  35. ^ "St. Louis signs left-handed reliever Ring". The State Journal-Register. January 5, 2009. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  36. ^ Matthew Leach (March 25, 2009). "Ring's stint with Cardinals finished". Stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  37. ^ Matthew Leach (March 26, 2009). "Mozeliak lays out roster possibilities". Stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  38. ^ DiComo, Anthony (September 18, 2009). "Yanks sign Thames, make Winn official". Newyork.yankees.mlb.com. Archived from the original on November 6, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  39. ^ Hoch, Bryan (March 15, 2010). "Logan, Ring doing their best to impress". Mlb.mlb.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  40. ^ Borzi, Pat (April 3, 2010). "Yankees and Mets Get Together, Almost, in a Split Spring Doubleheader". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  41. ^ Hoch, Bryan (September 15, 2010). "Golson's game-winning throw an eye-opener". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012.
  42. ^ "Yankees: Talking over, time for action". Times Herald-Record. November 3, 2010. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  43. ^ "Mariners sign four minor-league free agents, including outfielder Ryan Langerhans". The Seattle Times. December 14, 2010. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  44. ^ Johns, Greg (March 27, 2011). "Mariners make roster moves, option Tuiasosopo". Mariners.MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 4, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
  45. ^ Links, Zach (July 3, 2011). "Royce Ring Exercises Out Clause With Mariners". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
  46. ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (July 20, 2011). "Minor Moves: Texeira, Ring, Padres". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  47. ^ "Transactions". MLB.com. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  48. ^ Cutler, Ian (May 27, 2013). "Ring brings wealth of experience to Ducks". Newsday. Archived from the original on June 19, 2013. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  49. ^ Birt, Matthew (May 6, 2014). "Royce Ring joins GCL Mets coaching staff". Amazin' Avenue. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  50. ^ "KINGSPORT METS RELEASE 2016 COACHING STAFF". MiLB.com. April 19, 2016. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  51. ^ Sypa, Steve (January 5, 2017). "Edgardo Alfonzo will manage the Brooklyn Cyclones". Amazin' Avenue. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  52. ^ Fitzgerald, Kevin (March 31, 2019). "Fireflies Announce 2019 Opening Day Roster". MiLB.com. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  53. ^ "Chad Kreuter returns as St. Lucie Mets manager". MiLB.com. January 10, 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  54. ^ "Cyclones Name Coaching Staff for 2021 Season". MiLB.com. March 4, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  55. ^ Yoo, Jee-ho (January 17, 2022). "Lotte Giants hire ex-MLB pitcher Royce Ring as pitching coordinator". Yonhap News Agency.

External links[edit]