Ryan Raburn
From BR Bullpen
Ryan Neil Raburn
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 185 lb.
- College University of South Florida
- High School Durant High School
- Debut September 12, 2004
- Born April 17, 1981 in Tampa, FL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Originally selected at age 18 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 18th round of the 1999 amateur draft, Ryan Raburn did not sign. Raburn instead elected to attend the University of South Florida. Raburn later signed with the Detroit Tigers. In 2003, Raburn spent his first professional season with the West Michigan Whitecaps and the Lakeland Tigers. The following year Raburn spent most of the season with the Erie SeaWolves. In September, Raburn, received his first Major League call up. On September 12, 2004, Raburn struck out against the Minnesota Twins as a pinch hitter in his first Major League at bat. Four days later, Raburn hit an RBI Double off the Cleveland Indians' C.C. Sabathia in his first Major League hit. Raburn was selected by the Tigers to play in the Arizona Fall League following the 2004 season. Raburn's fall season with the Grand Canyon Rafters proved to be very productive. Raburn hit three doubles, four home runs and eight RBI, scoring seventeen runs in 21 games. In 2005, Raburn was the starting second baseman for the Toledo Mud Hens. In 2006, Raburn split the season between second base and outfield for the Mud Hens. Raburn earned honors playing left field for the 2006 International League All-Star Team. Raburn also came in second behind Andy Marte in the 2006 AAA All-Star Game Home Run Derby. Raburn was again selected for the IL All-Star team in 2007, but was called up to Detroit prior to the July event. In one of his first games in Detroit, Raburn impressed the Tigers by hitting 7 RBI in a single game. Throughout the 2007 season, Raburn established himself as a vital utility player alternating between Left Field and Second base.
