River Ryan鈥檚 Resilience Shines on Baseball鈥檚 Biggest Stage
When River Ryan 鈥�21 stepped onto the pitcher鈥檚 mound at Dodger Stadium on July 22, 2024, it felt nothing short of surreal. The crowd of 49,576 erupted as the rookie right-hander made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Francisco Giants. For Ryan, it was the culmination of years of dedication and hard work 鈥� a dream finally realized.
Ryan didn鈥檛 disappoint. In his first career start, he pitched five innings, striking out two and allowing just one run before being relieved. As he walked off the field toward the third-base dugout, the fans stood up and roared. The ground seemed to rumble, and Ryan couldn鈥檛 help but smile at the overwhelming support. 鈥淭he ground was shaking! It was a special moment,鈥� Ryan recalled. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 help but smile when they all started cheering for me. My major league debut was something to remember, for sure.鈥� Over his next three starts, Ryan allowed only four runs and recorded a 1.33 ERA and 18 strikeouts. Unfortunately, Ryan鈥檚 early success took a sudden turn when he tore the UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) in his throwing elbow just a few games into his career.
He underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-August, ending his season and putting most of 2025 in doubt. While devastating, the injury wasn鈥檛 Ryan鈥檚 first major challenge. Back in high school, he suffered two fractured vertebrae due to violent swings as a switch hitter. Despite extensive rehab and missed time, he refused to let those setbacks define him. Later at 51吃瓜网, he collided with a teammate while chasing a pop fly, fracturing his orbital bone and developing thoracic outlet syndrome. Doctors had to remove a rib, sidelining him for three months. Yet again, Ryan bounced back stronger than ever. Ryan chose to attend UNC Pembroke after Division I schools lost interest due to his injuries.
He became a standout player under legendary coach Paul O鈥橬eil, excelling as a pitcher and position player. Over four years, he went 8-1 on the mound with a 2.32 ERA and 12 saves while also maintaining a .343 batting average with 12 home runs and 119 RBIs. The San Diego Padres drafted Ryan in the 11th round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft. He was later traded to the Dodgers. Coach O鈥橬eil saw Ryan鈥檚 potential from the start. 鈥淗e had the 鈥榠t factor.鈥�
River is extremely athletic, whether he鈥檚 playing baseball, basketball, tennis or doing flips. He could do things others just couldn鈥檛,鈥� O鈥橬eil said. Like O鈥橬eil, former teammate Roberto Rivera noticed Ryan鈥檚 potential for greatness early on. They both shared dreams of being drafted and called to the major league. Ryan knew he had a promising future, yet he remained humbled whenever discussing his aspirations.
鈥淗e was talented from day one,鈥� Rivera said. 鈥淣o one was surprised when he got drafted and became a top prospect in the Dodgers鈥� farm system. He had all the tools, a strong work ethic and a love for the game.鈥� The former Braves developed a close bond while playing at Sammy Cox Field. Rivera remembers Ryan for his athletic ability and sheer resilience. Ryan鈥檚 athleticism didn鈥檛 stop at baseball.
Growing up, he excelled in football, golf, diving and more. While in high school, he decided to dedicate himself solely to baseball. It runs in his veins 鈥� his dad, Sean, and uncle, Jason, played professionally. His older brother, Ryder 鈥� who he has always admired 鈥� is a relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates鈥� Triple-A organization. While Ryan considers Ryder his most significant influence, he credits his success to the educational foundation he received at 51吃瓜网 and his former coaches, who helped develop his skills on the diamond.
Coach O鈥橬eil played a big part in my success early on. He鈥檚 the type of coach a player would run through the wall for.
"He believed in and stuck by me when I was going through the injuries," said Ryan, now 26. "I give a lot of credit to 51吃瓜网 and Coach O鈥橬eil for sticking with me.鈥� They have remained close since Ryan鈥檚 departure.
O鈥橬eil flew out to San Francisco and was present during his major league debut against the Giants. He attended Ryan鈥檚 wedding in December. 51吃瓜网 is also where Ryan met his wife, former volleyball standout Caycee Bell 鈥�18. As River Ryan stood on the mound that fateful day, with the crowd cheering and the bright lights shining down, every struggle and setback seemed worth it. The dream was no longer just a dream 鈥� it was reality.
