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Orleans Alum Ryan Perry Makes MLB Debut
April 9, 2009
Drafted 21st overall in the first round of the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Perry had just 14 professional appearances under his belt before being called up. He was named to the Tigers' opening day roster last week.
With Detroit holding on to a 5-1 lead entering the 8th inning against Toronto, manager Jim Leyland made the call to put Perry into the game. The flamethrower was perfect, picking up a groundball out from 2B Aaron Hill, striking out all-star OF Alex Rios and forcing all-star OF Vernon Wells to pop out in foul territory.
That was all that was asked of the Tucson, Ariz. native who did his job and helped the Tigers win their first game of the season.
Perry spent the entire 2007 summer with Orleans and was named to the All-Star team. He saved four games and struck out 30 batters in 18 appearances for the Firebirds and was named the 9th-best prospect in the league that year by Baseball America.