Former Mississippi State shortstop Ryan Gridley announced Wednesday on Twitter he signed with Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics and decided to forgo his final season of eligibility with the Bulldogs.
“Thank you bulldog nation (sic) for the best three years of my life,” Gridley posted. “It has been a blessing playing in front of you guys for these years. There is nothing like looking around and seeing 15,000 fans cheering you on.
“I would also like to thank Coach (Andy) Cannizaro for putting his trust in me as a player and a person. It was a blast playing for him this past year and I have no doubt he will continue the excellence that is Mississippi State. I enjoyed playing with all of my teammates over these years. I know without their help, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Gridley thanked Jimmy Gifford, Matt Jolly, Scott Cappleman, and Crosspoint Church. He said those individuals and the church helped him grow his faith.
The A’s drafted Gridley in the 11th round with the 321st pick. This past season, Gridley was second in batting average (.327) and doubles (15) to Brent Rooker and third in RBIs (39) for MSU, which finished 40-27 and lost to LSU in the NCAA tournament’s Super Regionals. His performance earned him first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors.
“I am looking forward to starting my professional career with the Oakland A’s organization and pursuing my life long dream.” Gridley posted.
Gridley is the second Bulldog to sign after getting selected in the MLB First-Year Player draft, and the fourth from the 2017 team. Utility player Cody Brown and catcher Josh Lovelady signed with the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals, respectively, after going undrafted. They join Rooker, who signed after getting drafted 35th by the Minnesota Twins.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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