Ricky Ward Joins Volcanoes Coaching Staff
February 16, 2005 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes News Release
The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes continue with their 'local flavor' as they have added Keizer resident, Ricky Ward, to their coaching staff. Ward, a Keizer resident since 2003, will join Volcanoes Manager and Keizer resident Steve Decker and pitching coach Jerry Cram to complete the Volcanoes staff for the 2005 season.
Ricky Ward was born (8/30/70) and raised in Portland, graduating from Roosevelt High School. He played shortstop at Salem's Chemeketa Community College in 1989 and '90 prior to signing with San Francisco. The Giants had drafted Ward in the 10th round of the 1989 draft and he signed after the 1990 college season.
Ward was a versatile infielder who spent most of his five-year professional career in the Giants' organization, breaking in as a shortstop with Everett in 1990 where he hit .269 in 39 games. He had his best season in 1991, leading Clinton (Iowa, Midwest League) in batting (.278) and home runs (11) while playing 126 games at third base. As a second baseman in 1992, Ward hit .299 with three home runs and 53 RBI's in 88 games with San Jose. He returned to San Jose in 1993 but batted just .182 in 41 games.
Ward signed with Minnesota in 1994 and joined their AA affiliate in Nashville where he played second, third and short before suffering a serious knee injury ended his season after 49 games. He returned to college, attending Lewis & Clark from 1997-99 and earning a degree in Psychology from Portland State in 2000.
Ward began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at the University of Portland in 2002 and has been on the Western Oregon University staff for the past three years (2003-2005) and is currently the hitting and infield coach. Ward will join the Volcanoes in mid-June. He and his wife, Khris, are expecting their first child in March.
Northwest League Stories from February 16, 2005
- Ricky Ward Joins Volcanoes Coaching Staff - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
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