IL1 Indianapolis Indians

Ryan Named League Batter of the Week

June 25, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis outfielder Michael Ryan has been named the International League's Batter of the Week for the period of June 18-24. Ryan recorded a .481 batting average, .926 slugging percentage, two home runs and five RBI in seven games during the stretch.

The 29-year-old has raised his batting average from .137 to .259 since May 13. He also owns four dingers and 17 RBI in 57 Triple-A games this season.

"Michael is very deserving of this honor," Indians Manager Trent Jewett says. "Michael battled through a rough month of April, and he's been a big part of our offense over these past six weeks.

"Michael is swinging at good pitches, and he's using the entire field. We haven't had many left-handed hitters this year, so it's been nice to see him get on a roll."

Ryan, who enters Monday evening's game with a five-game hitting streak (.571 BA, 12-for-21, 6 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI), became the first Tribe hitter to belt two homers in a game this season when he went deep twice on May 14 against Ottawa.

The Indiana, Pa., native is batting .313 (25-for-80) on the road, .211 (19-for-90) at home, .295 (13-for-44) against left-handed pitchers and .246 (31-for-126) vs. right-handed hurlers.

Ryan is in his first year with the Pittsburgh organization after signing as a Minor League free agent on Oct. 31. He hit .265 with seven HR and 33 RBI in 127 big league tilts for the Minnesota Twins from 2002-05. The 12th-year pro also entered the season with a .267 BA, 113 HR and 571 RBI in 1,061 Minor League affairs.

Ryan is the fourth Indian to pick up the IL's weekly award this season. C Ryan Doumit was recognized on April 23, RHP John Van Benschoten on May 14 and LHP Shane Youman on June 18.

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