Ryan Jackson (jacksry02)

Ryan Christopher Jackson

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 180 lb.
• School University of Miami
• High School Florida Christian High School
• Debut August 11, 2012
• Final Game September 30, 2015
• Born May 10, 1988 in Miami, FL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Ryan Jackson played briefly in the major leagues as a utility infielder. He was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 5th round of the 2009 amateur draft, out of the University of Miami and began his professional career that year with the Batavia Muckdogs of the New York-Penn League. In 67 games, he hit .216 while playing exclusively at shortstop. He made his way up the Cardinals' minor league ladder over the next two years, continuing as a full-time shortstop with the Quad Cities River Bandits and the Palm Beach Cardinals in 2010, and with the AA Springfield Cardinals in 2011. His hitting improved significantly, as his batting average stood at .278 both years, with increasing power (23 doubles in 2010 and 34 doubles and 11 homers the following year).

In 2012, Jackson moved to the AAA Memphis Redbirds and in anticipation of getting called up to the majors, began to receive some playing time at second base in addition to short. He continued to hit well for a middle infielder, with a batting line of .272/.334/.396, with 23 doubles and 10 homers in 117 games. He got the call to the majors in early August but only went 2 for 17 in 13 games. With starting SS Rafael Furcal injured down the stretch, the Cardinals had to make a choice as to who would replace him in the postseason but decided on Ryan's Memphis teammate Pete Kozma, who had only hit .232 while splitting time between second base and short, judging he had a better glove. Thus Kozma was part of a World Series-winning team, while Jackson stayed on the sidelines. He returned for another full season at Memphis in 2013 as Kozma got the starting job in St. Louis with Furcal out for the year. Jackson hit his customary .278, adding 19 doubles but only 3 homers. He got playing time at third base and in the outfield in addition to shortstop and second, but even though Kozma hit a weak .217 in the Gateway City, Jackson hardly saw any big league action, going 0 for 7 in 7 games and being left off the postseason roster once again.

It was clear that Jackson did not really figure in the Cardinals' plans and it was likely a relief for him when he was claimed off waivers by the lowly Houston Astros on November 20th. However, he was only part of that organization for a month, as on December 18th they traded him to the San Diego Padres in return for 1B/OF Jesus Guzman. He played only in the minors in 2014, then was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers after the season. Once again, his stay was brief, as a few weeks later he was purchased by the Kansas City Royals. He did not make the team out of spring training and one month later, on May 7, 2015, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for C Drew Butera. The Angels gave him a look at the end of the year, as he appeared in 22 games, but he batted just 9 times, without collecting a hit. These were his last games in the majors.

Related Sites

• Ryan Jackson on mlb.com
• UM bio