Ryan Raburn

From Detroit Tigers

Ryan Neil Raburn (born April 17, 1981 in Tampa, Florida) is a Major League Baseball player for the Detroit Tigers. Primarily an outfielder, Raburn can also play third base and second base.

Raburn attended Durant High School in Plant City, Florida. Following his prep career, he was selected in the 18th round of the 1999 amateur entry draft by his hometown Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Raburn, however, chose not to sign, opting instead to play at South Florida Community College.

[edit] Professional career

After two seasons of college baseball, the Detroit Tigers selected Raburn in the 5th round of the 2001 amateur entry draft. Raburn signed and began playing in the minor leagues at third base, his natural position. In 2004, the Tigers, lacking depth at the position, moved Raburn to second base.

Following the 2006 season, the Tigers chose to not add Raburn to the 40 man roster. This left him unprotected in the Rule 5 draft, allowing any team to add him for a cost of $50,000; provided he spent the entire season on a major league roster. Raburn was not selected and returned to the Tigers and their AAA affiliate Toledo Mud Hens.

Raburn was a September call up during the 2004 season for the Tigers, playing in 12 games. He would not have a chance to play in the major leagues again until 2007, when Tigers utility infielder Neifi Pérez was suspended 25 games after testing positive for amphetamine usage. Raburn had a 2-out RBI single in his first at bat of that season.<ref>July 6, 2007 Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers Box Score and Play by Play - Baseball-Reference.com</ref> On July 25 against the Chicago White Sox, Raburn went 4–5 with 2 home runs, a double and a single and had a total of 7 RBIs.<ref>July 25, 2007 Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox Box Score and Play by Play - Baseball-Reference.com</ref>

Raburn entered the 2008 season at Toledo, but was called up for a reserve role with the Tigers. During the 2008 season, Raburn has made sporadic starts at third base, second base, and all three outfield positions. Manager Jim Leyland has often employed Raburn as a late-innings defensive replacement in the outfield or as a pinch runner.

Raburn hit his first career grand slam on June 28, 2008 against Colorado Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis.

[edit] Awards

• 2001 Single-A All Star, New York-Penn League
• 2006 Triple-A All Star, International League
• 2007 Triple-A All Star, International League
• International League Player of the Month, June, 2007.

[edit] External links

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or Baseball-Reference, or The Baseball Cube

[edit] References