Johnny Ray (minors01)

John Louis Ray

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 215 lb.
• School Northwest Mississippi Community College
• High School Marshall Academy (Holly Springs)
• Born October 28, 1967

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Johnny Ray played in the Cincinnati Reds system from 1989 to 1993 and in independent ball in 1996.

The Reds signed him as an undrafted free agent. In 1989, he went 6-2 with a 2.72 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) for the GCL Reds, then he went 14-7 with a 2.93 ERA in 30 games (20 starts) for the Charleston Wheelers in 1990. In 1990, he tied Mike Ogliaruso for second in the South Atlantic League in victories, behind Tim Pugh's 15. In 1991, he went 16-9 with a 3.78 mark in 28 games (27 starts) for Charleston. That year, he tied multiple pitchers for second in the SAL in starts, behind Juan Castillo's 28, and he was second in wins, behind Jose Martinez's 20. In 1992, he was 9-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 35 games (7 starts) between the Cedar Rapids Reds and Chattanooga Lookouts. With Chattanooga in 1993, he went 3-7 with a 6.82 ERA in 30 games (8 starts). After not playing professionally in 1994 and 1995, he returned to go 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in 2 starts for the independent Grand Forks Varmints of the Prairie League in 1996.

Overall, Ray went 49-30 with a 3.55 ERA in 136 games (74 starts). In 557 innings, he allowed 559 hits and 173 walks (1.314 WHIP), while striking out 337 batters.

Later later served as an assistant coach at Southwest Tennessee Community College before being promoted to head coach in 2004. He was also coached as Marshall Academy. In addition, he has served as director of baseball at USA Stadium in Millington, TN.