Twenty two year old RHP Ryan Degges was taken in the 17th round of the 2024 draft by the Phillies from UNC Charlotte. He’s from Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated from the Christian Academy of Knoxville where he was was a first team All-State and All-Region selection and also won the District Offensive Player of the Year during his senior year. Ryan was a starter during the team’s 2019 Division II-A state championship run. The team went 36-9 and won the program’s fourth state title.
After graduating he enrolled at Colombia State Community College where he was a NJCAA First Team All-Academic. He pitched and played the outfield appearing in 45 games as a hitter while making 10 appearances as a pitcher. Ryan transferred to UNC Charlotte where he pitched in 24 games during the 2024 season out of the bullpen and posted 42.2 innings of work with 51 strikeouts and 33 walks.
After signing with the Phillies he spent the balance of the 2024 season training at the complex and while he’s yet to appear in an official game Ryan did appear in two “Bridge League” contests and threw two innings - he showed a mid nineties four seam fastball that touched upper nineties along with a sweeper and change-up.
I recently had a chance to ask him a few questions - here’s our interaction.
In high school you were part of a Tennessee state championship in 2019 - what was that experience like?
“I was very blessed to play for a wonderful HS baseball coach and program. It was amazing and I have some of my best memories from those years.”
You were District offensive player of the year in your senior season of high school and played the outfield as well during your time at Colombia State Community College. What turned you to pitching rather than playing the outfield?
“I felt I had a much better chance to get drafted as a pitcher than as a hitter. Playing professionally has always been a dream of mine and I wanted to do whatever I could to make that happen.”
You’ve yet to pitch in an official pro game - how eager and excited are you to make your debut?
“I am very excited for spring training and the season to officially begin. It’s what you always dream of.”
What has the pro baseball experience been like for you so far - the camps, lifestyle, coaching and work efforts?
“So far it has been a wonderful experience. It’s a great organization to be part of.”
Are you a goal setter and if so what are your goals going into this coming season?
“I try not to get caught up in goals or achievements to reach. I just try to stay in the present, be the best player/person I can be and work at getting better everyday.”
I thank Ryan for answering my inquiries. We wish him well this season and in years to come, championship background, live fastball and a strong will - all qualities to enable success.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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