The Next Generation: Reid Ryan Follows in Father's footsteps, but with his own style

Reid Ryan, the 22-year-old son of baseball legend Nolan Ryan, is making a name for himself in the Class A Hudson Valley Renegades of the New York-Penn League, but with a distinct approach that sets him apart from his famous father. Ryan's resemblance to his father is uncanny, but his fastball is significantly slower, clocking in at 83-85 m.p.h. compared to his father's legendary pitches that often reached 100 miles per hour.

Key Takeaways:

• Reid Ryan is the son of baseball legend Nolan Ryan and is following in his father's footsteps in the Hudson Valley Renegades of the New York-Penn League.
• Despite physical resemblance to his father, Ryan's fastball is significantly slower, averaging 83-85 m.p.h. compared to his father's high-90's throughout his 27-year major league career.
• Ryan has consciously patterned his delivery after his father's, but has also developed his own style and mechanics on the mound.
• As a professional, Ryan has allowed only 7 earned runs in 27 1/3 innings for a 2.26 earned run average, with a strong supporting cast of a nice bite on his overhand curve and a mix of a changeup that is improving with each start.
• Ryan could have easily not been playing baseball, having preferred basketball in high school and only taking up baseball seriously in college.
• Reid Ryan was drafted in the 17th round by the Texas Rangers, where his father also played.

Statistics:

• Reid Ryan's fastball averages 83-85 m.p.h.
• He has allowed only 7 earned runs in 27 1/3 innings for a 2.26 earned run average.
• He has given up 23 hits, walked 10, and struck out 16 in his five starts.
• The Hudson Valley Renegades lead the league in attendance, with packed crowds at Dutchess County Stadium.
• Nolan Ryan was in attendance for Reid's only win on June 20, viewing the game from the bullpen in right field.

Sources:

• The New York Times, "Nolan Ryan's Son Reid Throws for Hudson Valley Renegades, Making His Own Mark"