(Waldorf, Md., Feb. 12, 2019) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have announced the return of right-handed pitcher Ryan Chaffee.
Chaffee was nothing short of a workhorse for the Blue Crabs in 2018. The 6-2 right hander led the Atlantic League in pitchers’ appearances with 69, making him one of just eight pitchers in the league with at least 50 appearances. Chaffee, the setup man for the Blue Crabs last season, carried the hefty load with ease, posting a 2-2 record to go along with a 3.80 ERA, an ERA that would’ve been 7thbest in the league had he statically qualified.
Ryan made a name for himself at Chipola College. He went from being overlooked in high school to being drafted in the 43rdround of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft after his freshman year. Despite being drafted, the fireballer opted to go back to school for another year, a decision that would later pay major dividends. In his sophomore season he led his squad to the Junior College World Series, a platform in which he excelled. Chaffee tossed a legendary 18 strikeout shutout, a feat that shouted his name to the baseball world. This performance, combined with an all-around impressive season was good enough for the Los Angeles Angels to take him in the third round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft, a 40 round improvement from the previous season.
The Bellevue, Nebraska native began his professional career in rare fashion through bypassing Rookie ball and going directly to the Angels’ A level affiliate, the Cedar Rapids Kernels. After six seasons in the Angels system, Chaffee spent 2016 in the Miami Marlins organization, reaching as high as the Marlins AAA affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs. Chaffee returns to Southern Maryland in 2019 following a 2018 campaign that boasted a career high in appearances and 14 more than he had posted in his previous nine professional seasons.
“I cannot wait to head back to Waldorf with a fresh start and a whole new year of opportunities,” said Chaffee.
The team opens the 2019 season on May 3rd at home against the Lancaster Barnstormers. To save your seat at the ballpark for the upcoming season and other team news, visit www.somdbluecrabs.com or call 301-638-9788.
About the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
The Blue Crabs play 140 regular season games in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs. The Blue Crabs call Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland home. The 12thfranchise season will begin April 2019. For more information on the SOMD Blue Crabs, please call 301-638-9788 or visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.comfor more information.
About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in Texas and the Mid-Atlantic, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.