Ryan Williamson Hopes For MLB Opportunity From Local Series

After two seasons with the Washington Nationals organization, Cranford’s Ryan Williamson was one of over 1,200 players released from their MLB teams in June due to COVID-19 and the cancellation of the minor league season. Drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2016, he pitched exceptionally well in the minor leagues. After posting a 3.50 ERA and racking up 84 strikeouts in 82 innings, it came as a surprise when Williamson received word he had been let go.

“It was obviously very shocking, I was blindsided by it,” Williamson explained. “When somebody tells you that you're not good enough… it lit a fire under me and gave me motivation, I'm just going to keep working hard, doing my thing, and competing.”

The last time Williamson pitched competitively in New Jersey was in 2013 at Cranford High School when he led his squad to a Group Three Championship. Now, he is pitching close to home at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater for the New Jersey Blasters. Following a major setback in his professional baseball career, he is dominating on the mound. Williamson has pitched a total of 7.1 innings, and has allowed only one hit, while striking out 15 batters.

“It's been a lot of fun, just getting back out there playing on a baseball field in front of fans,” the 25-year-old Williamson said. “It's just a great atmosphere to get back back outside and be able to do what you love and have fun with it.”

TD Bank Ballpark played host to Williamson’s tenth birthday party, and is now providing him with a potential stepping stone to the major leagues. The high level of competition in the series, and Williamson's dominance over batters has given him more confidence than ever that he can pitch at the big league level. Williamson’s teammate Brandon Leibrandt was recently signed by the Miami Marlins, and is currently on the MLB roster two weeks after playing in Bridgewater.

“I'm just going to keep working hard and it will all work itself out,” he told me “I want to pitch in the major leagues. That's been my goal since I was four years old.”