A decade ago, Ryan Thompson was a key figure in Campbell’s rise to a mid-major baseball power and regular NCAA postseason participant. In the last five seasons, he has gone on to reach the major leagues and pitch in two World Series.
After a standout junior college career in the Pacific Northwest Ryan crossed the country to join the Fighting Camels and helped his team win 90 games over two seasons.
He led the nation and was Big South pitcher of the year in 2013 and led the Camels to their first NCAA postseason berth in 24 years one year later.
Drafted by the Houston Astros, Ryan steadily moved up the minor league ladder – faced a serious surgery – then joined the Tampa Bay Rays and played an important role in their 2020 American League Championship run. Three years later, he was again pitching in the World Series – this time for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Through the years, Ryan has stayed in close contact with his Campbell roots, making regular visits – most recently for a Baseball Alumni gathering around Homecoming in Buies Creek.
In the next installment of Tales from the Creek, Campbell baseball alum Ryan Thompson talks with Stan Cole about growing up in Oregon, his path to Campbell, playing college baseball, reaching the big leagues, his personal faith and more.
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