Ryan Weathers Ran Around Reds' Clubhouse One Of Draft Day Surprises

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David Weathers was the third round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays out of Loretto, Tennessee 30-years ago.

Weathers pitched for the Reds part of the 1998 season and again in 2005-2009.  Altogether he pitched for 19 seasons in the Major Leagues, mostly out of the bullpen.  He left his mark on modern baseball, not from his performance on the diamond but what he did on the practice fields of Sarasota, Florida and in the pregame outfield at Great American Ball Park.

Often Weathers could be seen soft tossing to a pudgy little kid, who even from the ages of five through nine could pound a baseball.   The little man, big for his age, showed a strong left arm playing catch with his dad.

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Ryan Weathers had the run of the clubhouse, never in the way but a frequent visitor, who would pal around with Darren Baker for the two years, Dusty Baker managed the elder Weathers.   He was a quiet kid but was not shy around big league players.

On Monday, Ryan Weathers, was chosen as the seventh overall selection in the baseball draft, two picks after the Reds chose Jonathan India of the Florida Gators.  Young Weathers played baseball at his father's alma mater in the tiny Tennessee town six miles from the Alabama border.

Weathers earned a scholarship as a left-handed pitcher, who was 10-0 and allowed one run during his 2018 senior year.

Joey Votto and Homer Bailey are the only current Reds who saw Ryan on those days with his dad.

"I most definitely remember him," Votto said.  "He is one of the most well mannered, respectful, quiet young man, I've ever met.  His father did a great job.  Jay Bruce and I were texting last night about how we look forward to striking out against a kid that used to bounce around the clubhouse."

Joey does it make you feel old at all?

"Not yet," Votto responded with a chuckle.  "Once he strikes me out, he will."

You can read more about Ryan in the Loretto Times Daily through the following link.

http://www.timesdaily.com/sports/high_school/like-father-like-son-ryan-weathers-ready-to-follow-dad/article_a805b5ab-fc38-5498-8364-8b29d2a1a4ad.html

Darren Baker was drafted last year in the 27th round by the Washington Nationals out of high school but he elected to play for the California Golden Bears and recently completed his freshman year.

Baker hit .273 in 44 games, starting 42, with one home run, six doubles and 23 RBI.

The Reds picked 11 players in the first two days of the draft including a former Mason, Ohio native, who pitched for the Comets in high school.

The Reds took India, a thirdbaseman who has also played shortstop as one of the most accomplished bats in the country from the Gators' roster.  India was playing in the Super Regional of the NCAA leadup to the College World Series as he was selected.

"It was crazy," India said.  "We are trying to win the National Championship.  I talked with the Reds a bit before the draft.  Once the season is over, I'll take a couple days off with my friends.  We'll work out the details then."

The Reds' second pick with the 47th spot in the draft is Lyon Richardson out of Jenson Beach, Florida High School.  Richardson had talked to the Reds.  "I think I'm supposed to report on Friday," Richardson said.  He was named after the animal but his parents wanted to spell it differently.  "There is some reason or back story to why they named me Lyon but I'm not sure what it is."

The Reds picked up RHP Josiah Gray with the 72nd pick in the Competitive Balance segment after the second round.  Gray is from LeMoyne College which is the same college Reds' great Tom Browning came from as well as current Chicago Cubs broadcaster Jim Deshaies.

Brendan Spillane, an outfielder from the University of Illinois was taken in the third round.

Mike Siani, a centerfielder from William Penn Charter School was the 109th pick for the Reds in the fourth round.

"Siani stands out as the best athlete," scouting director Chris Buckley said.  "Bren Spillane is a good athlete too.  He's a big, tall guy who runs well."

The Reds picked RHP Ryan Campbell out of the University of Illinois, Chicago in the fifth round and RHP Yamil Maysonet in the sixth round out of Puerto Rico.

Catcher Jay Schuyler was taken out of San Diego State in the seventh round.

The Reds closed the second day with three right-handers....Matt Pidich from Pitt, Andrew McDonald out of Virginia Tech and Mason High School, and A.J. Moore of Kennesaw State University.

McDonald won the Reds over in a workout.

"He was quite impressive," Buckley said.  "Our scout over there has done a good job for us over the years and really wanted to get him."