Ryan Boyer’s Story of Never Giving up On Baseball Dreams

Division III ➡️ Division I ➡️ Independent Baseball ➡️ Minor Leagues. What a wild ride for Bradford, Pennsylvania native, Ryan Boyer. Last week, the McKean County product has his contract selected from the Milwaukee Milkemen by the Toronto Blue Jays. A lifelong dream of being a professional athlete has come true.

(Photos from Pitt-Bradford Athletics, Canisus College Athletics, and The Post-Journal)

No matter where he goes, he will always be a Bradford Driller and list some of his favorite memories as Little League All-Star teams with his childhood friends.

Boyer’s baseball career has seen him play in six different college baseball seasons because of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as injury. He missed his senior year at Pitt-Bradford in 2019 after just one appearance. After rehab, he was ready to roll and was pitching great to start the 2020 season. COVID-19 interrupted his comeback, but Boyer refused to give in.

After finishing his degree at Pitt-Bradford in Business Management, he took his graduate year at Canisius College where he went 2-1 with a save in 30.2 innings of work. He struck out 41 batters as a Golden Griffin before being signed by the Milwaukee Milkmen in the summer of 2021. He finished his time at Canisus as an improved pitcher, but also with a Master’s of Sports Administration that he will bring with him to the work force one day.

In his time at Pitt Bradford, he pitched 199.1 innings, struck out 210 batters, was named an Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Pitcher of the Week five times, the Pitt-Bradford Athlete of the Year in 2020, a two-time selection to the D3Baseball Team of the Week, and a Second-Team All-AMCC selection as a junior.

Unquestionably, it’s been a unique path to professional baseball. Boyer said this about what he’s been through to become a professional athlete.

“I think my path has shaped me into the player I am. I don’t think I would be the same player if I went straight to a D1 or was a Draft pick. All the levels I’ve played at have built me in a different way and I’m grateful for the journey from D3 to affiliated.”

Now, the former Bradford Owl standout is working out with fellow professionals in Dunedin, Florida at the new Blue Jays facility there. Eventually, he will be placed somewhere in the organization, including the possibility of playing abroad for the first time.

A story of not giving up or giving in is exactly the kind of story that’s relatable to all who have faced adversity. Uniquely, his college baseball journey included a five-year stop in his hometown, but since, it’s taken him all over the country playing the game he fell in love with as a youngster.

Good luck in the next chapter, Ryan! Thank you for the chance to recap your path to date ⚾️