Saturday, September 04, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

51s' deaf pitcher hopes to be inspiration to deaf youngsters

By MATT YOUMANS
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Ryan Ketchner Allows one run in seven innings after being promoted to Las Vegas

A talented left-handed pitcher, Ryan Ketchner has aspirations similar to those of his Triple-A teammates. He wants to reach the major leagues.

The difference is Ketchner hopes his accomplishments will help him become a role model for deaf youngsters. He sees his handicap as more of an opportunity than an obstacle.

"It's my dream to play in the big leagues because I'm the only deaf pitcher," said Ketchner, who was promoted to Las Vegas on Friday from Double-A Jacksonville, Fla.

"A lot of deaf kids don't think they can do it because you don't see a lot of deaf players. But don't listen to people who say you can't do it."

A few hours after arriving in town, Ketchner started for the 51s and allowed one run in seven innings in a 4-2 loss to Salt Lake at Cashman Field.

The 22-year-old was working on a shutout until the Stingers' Dallas McPherson led off the seventh inning with a home run to tie the game. Ketchner left with a no-decision, allowing five hits and no walks with four strikeouts.

Tom Farmer (7-7) was hit for three unearned runs in the eighth and took the loss for Las Vegas (64-76).

Salt Lake's Chris Bootcheck (11-7) got the win by allowing one earned run in 7 2/3 innings. But the outcome didn't detract from Ketchner's performance.

"He threw well and it was nice to see," said 51s manager Terry Kennedy, who pulled Ketchner after 92 pitches. "I didn't want him to lose the game. I wanted him to have a good outing."

Ketchner was called up to Las Vegas after going 8-7 with a 3.02 ERA in 21 starts for Jacksonville.

Born deaf in both ears, Ketchner uses hearing aids that are able to detect vibration but not distinguish words. He can read lips, but some questions he can't understand must be written down for him.

"I can hear the crowd," he said. "On a bunt, if I don't know which base to throw to, the catcher has to point it out to me. But it's not a problem."

Las Vegas infielder Eric Riggs was Ketchner's teammate for part of this season in Jacksonville and said Ketchner is well liked in the clubhouse.

"You've got to take time and realize what he can and can't understand, but he's quick reading lips," Riggs said. "It took me a few days to get to know him, but once I did, I realized he doesn't want to be treated any different.

"He's a great guy. You joke around with him and he gives it right back."

Ketchner was a 10th-round draft pick by Seattle in 2000 and, after going 14-7 in the Single-A California League last season, was acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 3.

The only other deaf player in pro baseball is Anaheim Angels outfielder Curtis Pride, who was with Salt Lake earlier in the season.

"It's much easier now than it was my first year as a pro," Ketchner said of adjusting to being a deaf baseball player. "I feel comfortable with it."