Quick Facts
Biography
Roger Royce Ring (born December 21, 1980 in La Mesa, California) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees.
Schools
Ring graduated from Monte Vista High School (Spring Valley, California) and attended San Diego State University where he was a star closer.
Professional career
Chicago White Sox
He was selected by the Chicago White Sox as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.
New York Mets
In 2003, Ring was acquired by the Mets with Edwin Almonte and Andrew Salvo in the trade that sent Roberto Alomar and cash to the White Sox. Ring's performance suffered in the 2004 season and, for a time, he was no longer considered a top prospect. This was evidenced by the fact that the Mets left him unprotected in the Rule 5 draft. Part of Ring's problem was his nonchalant attitude about physical fitness, as he gained body fat during his career downturn.
However, after a surprisingly strong spring training and minor league showing in 2005, Ring was added to the Mets' Major League roster and made his Major League debut on April 29 against the Washington Nationals. He posted a disappointing 5.06 ERA before being demoted to the minor leagues later in the season. Ring changed his pitching motion and received better results. He was recalled to the big leagues on August 2, 2006, but was sent back to Triple-A Norfolk three weeks later to make room on the 25-man roster for newly acquired Shawn Green.
San Diego Padres
On November 15, 2006, Ring was traded along with Heath Bell to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Ben Johnson and reliever Jon Adkins. Ring pitched in 15 games for the Padres.
Atlanta Braves
On July 31, 2007, Ring was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Wilfredo Ledezma and pitching prospect Will Startup, and then was optioned to the Triple-A Richmond Braves. He was called up when the rosters expanded on September 1. In 2008, Ring had an 8.46 ERA and was designated for assignment in August 2008. He cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Richmond. He became a free agent at the end of the season.
St. Louis Cardinals
On January 5, 2009, Ring signed a one-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, he was placed on outright waivers on March 25, and accepted a Triple-A assignment to the Memphis Redbirds.
New York Yankees
On January 12, 2010, Ring signed a minor league contract with an invite to spring training with the New York Yankees. Though he impressed the Yankees in spring training, he was optioned to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.
Following the completion of the Triple-A season, the Yankees purchased Ring's contract and promoted him to the major leagues.
He pitched in 5 games for the Yankees, allowing 4 runs in less than 3 innings.
Seattle Mariners
On December 14, 2010, Ring signed a minor league contract for the 2011 season with the Seattle Mariners with an invitation to spring training. However, he did not make the Mariners out of spring training, and he was sent to the minors on March 27. He opted out of his contract on July 3 after posting an ERA of 6.08 in 27 games.
Boston Red Sox
Ring signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox on July 20, 2011. Ring pitched in just 9 games for Pawtucket.
Colorado Rockies
Ring signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies on March 5, 2012.
Long Island Ducks
On May 26, 2013, Ring signed a contract with the Long Island Ducks, an independent minor league team.
Coaching
In May 2014 it was announced that Ring was retiring as a player to become the pitching coach for the Gulf Coast Mets, a rookie level minor league team in the New York Mets organization. He currently resides in New York City with his wife, six cats, and a hamster named Butters.
Ring will serve as the pitching coach for the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2017.