Troy University Athletics
The Cape Crusader Returns for Another Season at Troy
8/18/2010 4:22:02 PM | Baseball
Tyler Ray returns for junior season on the bump for the Trojans
Troy pitcher Tyler Ray spent his summer in the land of crashing waves and lighthouses on the beach, playing the game he loves.
Ray was invited to play summer baseball in the Cape Cod League in Massachusetts, and he used the opportunity to showcase his talents and learn a few new things along the way.
"I had a good freshman year (2009), and when I came back last August I found out I was invited to play in the Cape Cod League this summer," Ray said. "I signed to play, and I knew for a while about the opportunity to get to play there. I was excited about going. It's by invitation only from scouts and coaches, and I was happy to go play."
It was Ray's Sun Belt Freshman of the Year season in 2009, when he posted a 7-3 record with a 4.60 ERA, that led to his invitation to play in Massachusetts. Ray followed his freshman campaign with an 8-4 record for the Trojans last spring, but his ERA climbed to 5.34 as a sophomore.
Upon arriving in Massachusetts, Ray posted a hot start for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks, winning his first three starts with a sparkling 0.87 ERA. His early success earned him a spot in the Cape Cod League all-Star game.
Fortune smiled on the Hoover native at the All-Star game. He came on to pitch in the fifth inning of a scoreless game and, after working a scoreless frame, saw his team score two runs. At the young age of 20 years, Ray achieved a dream of any baseball player when he earned the All-Star victory in Fenway Park in Boston.
"It's definitely an exposure league," Ray said of the Cape Cod League. "The best college players in the country are there. Many are either still playing college baseball or were just drafted and still negotiating.
"It felt like there were 20 or 30 scouts at every game we played. I was honored to play in this prestigious baseball league. The all-star game was definitely the highlight of my summer. That really helped me get my name out in the baseball world, and that's something we all work to do."
Ray's early 3-0 mark on the mound gained him early momentum and recognition leading up to the all-star performance.
"There are people that come from all over to watch the Cape League," Ray said. "That area of the country is a great vacationing spot, and many people come out and watch the games while they are there. It's just a great experience, and it's very fan friendly. A lot of guys have come out of this league and gone to the pros, and people love to see the upcoming talent."
Now the Hoover native is back in Troy and preparing for his junior season on the mound. School is back in session, and the grind to get better continues for Ray and his teammates at Troy. He is ready to showcase what he learned on the mound for the Trojans as they prepare for another run in the Sun Belt Conference.
"Coming off a great summer season like that really helps my confidence level," Ray said. "It really helped my confidence knowing that I was able to stand out among such great players in that league."
Ray and the Trojans are gearing up for fall preparations at Troy right now, and he hopes his more confident pitching attitude is contagious throughout the team in 2010.
The Trojans will officially open fall training camp on Sept. 28 an will host the Ontario Blue Jays on Sunday, October 17, in their annual fall exhibition game.
The Trojans will open the 2011 season at Riddle-Pace Field on February 18 against High Point.
