Former Auburn shortstop Ryan Bliss was featured on the MiLB website

Ryan Bliss was featured on the MiLB website, where he answered a few questions about his early career.

Ryan Bliss is a former standout shortstop from Auburn who went on to be drafted in the second round of the MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021. 

Bliss had a .214 batting average in 2022 to go along with 37 rbi's, ten home runs, and 31 stolen bases in 2022 playing for the High-A Hillsboro Hops. 

These numbers are pretty good for what you expect from a lead-off hitter. You would like that average to get into the .260 area next season, but the home run, rbi, and stolen base numbers are impressive. 

With February being Black History Month, the MiLB has a program called "The Nine" initiative. On the MiLB website, they explain this initiative,“The Nine” is a Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout Minor League Baseball's 120 communities nationwide. Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine connects MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign."

To help grow awareness of this incredible initiative, Bliss was asked nine questions by Seth Hoiland of the Hops.

Here are the nine questions and Bliss's answers. 

What was your draft day experience like?

"My draft day experience was amazing. I was with my friends and family and got to experience it in a place that was comfortable to me at Auburn. I had a lot of great people around me and it happened so fast I didn’t have time until later to realize what happened. I am very blessed to get drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks and it was a great experience to have everyone experience that moment with me."

What was your first experience in pro ball?

"My first affiliate was the Visalia Rawhide. It was most of our first times playing professional baseball and we were all learning how to understand pro ball and play as a team. I enjoyed spending time in California and being able to bond with the team."

Can you talk us through your first pro at-bat?

"My first at-bat in pro ball was nothing different. I was just coming off a college season and just trying to treat it as a normal at-bat. I realized later that night, "man" I really just played my first professional baseball game. It was pretty surreal and I was definitely nervous because of the new environment, new team and new career, but at the end of the day it's just baseball and I am doing what I love and I get to do this as a job."

Who was your baseball role model growing up?

"Growing up my role model was Derek Jeter he was the captain; he was always in the playoffs and always winning. I was a shortstop and I wore #2 because of him."

Who was your personal role model?

"My father was a big off-field role model for me. He taught me how to be a man and how to never give up. I will forever be grateful for him, he is always there for me and I love him to death. I am so very thankful for him."

What is your favorite stadium you have played in?

"Its hard to pick a favorite field outside of Hillsboro because I think it’s the best affiliate field out there, but it had to be Vancouver. The Canadians’ field is amazing, they have 5,000 strong every night. They have great fans and a beautiful city. I enjoyed playing there every time we went."

What was your favorite thing to do outside of baseball in Hillsboro?

"Hillsboro had a lot of great activities. One of my favorites was hiking and seeing all the nature and waterfalls. It was a little different than what I am used to in Georgia, being thousands of miles from home, so going out and seeing the beauty of Oregon was surreal."

Favorite moment as a Hop?

"My personal favorite moment as a Hop was the 4th of July game. I led off the game with a home run to dead center field. It was sold out and the crowd was rocking. I will remember that moment for a long, long time."

What is your goal after your playing career is over?

"My goal after baseball is to give back. I want to give back to kids younger than me who love the game as much as I do, whether that’s coaching or being an instructor. I want to provide something to them so they can play the game and I will do everything I can to make that happen."

It's great to see a former Auburn Tiger taking part in such an incredible initiative in "The Nine." 

Hopefully, he has another good year on the diamond and quickly moves up the ranks so Auburn fans can see him in the Big Leagues. 

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