 
|
11/28/2005 1:25 PM ET
Blue Jays sign All-Star closer B.J. Ryan
|
|
The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have signed left-handed pitcher B.J. RYAN to a five-year contract worth $47 million (US).
Blue Jays General Manager J.P. RICCIARDI says, "B.J. RYAN is both an outstanding pitcher and person and we're excited to have him join our Blue Jays family. He stands among the few pitchers in baseball worthy of a five-year contract. I know our starting pitchers will be very happy to hear this news."
Under the terms of this contract, RYAN is making a donation of $250,000.00 to the JAYS CARE FOUNDATION, an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children and youth in Toronto. This stands as the single largest donation in the Foundation's history dating back to its inception in 1992, eclipsing the $105,000.00 donation made by ROY HALLADAY in 2004.
To celebrate this signing, the BLUE JAYS have created a B.J. RYAN FLEX PACK, which is now on sale, running through the end of December. This specially designed ticket package offers all the benefits of a standard flex pack (as detailed on bluejays.com) but also includes a free ticket to the Blue Jays final regular season game at ROGERS CENTRE, when they "close" the home schedule, and a limited edition B.J. RYAN bobblehead doll. All Flex Pack purchasers will be invited to attend a special autograph session in the New Year.
RYAN spent last season with the Baltimore Orioles posting 1-4 record with 36 saves in 41 opportunities and a 2.43 ERA. The 6-6, 249 lb. reliever posted an American League-best 12.80 strikeouts per nine innings pitched (minimum 20.0 innings pitched). In 70 1/3 innings last season, RYAN allowed only 54 hits and 26 walks while recording 100 strikeouts. RYAN was selected to participate in Major League Baseball's 2005 All-Star Game.
In 405 career games, the 29-year-old native of Bossier City, Louisiana has posted a 16-19 record with 42 saves and a 3.54 ERA. RYAN was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds out of Southwestern Louisiana University in the 17th round of the 1998 First Year Player Draft. He appeared in one game for the Reds before being traded to the Baltimore Orioles along with minor league player Jacobo Sequea in exchange for RHP Juan Guzman and cash.
| 
Official Info
print this page