Off-Season Update: Ryan Williams

Ryan Williams (@Rhynowilliams) was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 10th round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft from East Carolina University (Greenville, NC). The right-handed pitcher only played in nine games with South Bend before being promoted to the Tennessee Smokies, Double-A affiliate to the Cubs organization. Williams finished the season with an impressive 14-3 record in 141.2 innings with an ERA of 2.16. As he prepared for Spring Training, find out what the 2015 Chicago Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year has been up to.

 

After the season ended, where was the first place you traveled to?

The first place I traveled to in the off-season was Chicago. I was out there for three days and had a chance to see the Cubs beat the Royals at Wrigley.

What are some of your favorite off-season activities?

One of my favorite things to do during the off-season is go golfing with my dad. We try to play about once a week when I'm back home. Also, I always enjoy going to watch the Golden State Warriors play when I get a chance.

Do you have a favorite moment or event you attended this off-season?

When I was in Chicago I got the chance to be on the field for batting practice before the game with some of my family. That was an awesome memory from this off-season, because I got a chance to share that experience with them.

Do you still keep in touch with some of your teammates from 2015? If so, have you gotten together or hung out?

I talk to a good amount of teammates through the off-season by texting or talking on the phone. It's always nice to catch up and compare how the off-season is going with different people all over the country. This past off-season I didn't see anyone I played with from the Cubs organization.

Do you have a regular workout routine to prepare for the 2016 season? Is there one particular part of your game you have been working on?

Yes I do. I have tried to keep the same basic routine in the off-season for the past two years. Now that I have one full year under me, I added in some extra things that should help me in the upcoming season. Overall, my goal in the off-season is to get stronger and be as healthy as possible going into spring training.

What was your favorite part about the 2015 season? Are there any moments that stand out to you personally or a team moment?

One of the best moments of last season for me was on Opening Night in South Bend. Watching Cael Brockmeyer hit a walk-off home run, in front of a huge crowd was awesome to be apart of. That was a great way to start the season.

How often did your family get to watch or hear you play? Did they ever get to visit during the season?

My family was able to watch almost every game online. Both of my parents were able to make a trip out to spring training, and my father was able to come out to South Bend for a five-game home series in the beginning of the year.

What was your walk-up music for 2015 and why?

My walkout song in South Bend was Kick It In The Sticks by Brantley Gilbert. I chose this song because I enjoy country music, and this has been one of my favorite songs for the past few years.

What is/are your goal(s) for the 2016 season?

My goal for this year is to expand on everything I learned in my first full year of professional baseball: work hard to become a more well rounded pitcher and go out there and compete to the best of my ability.

Is there anything you want to tell the fans of the Cubs Organization?

I would tell them that they do a great job of supporting all of their teams in the organization. They make playing for this organization fun at every level because of their passion and knowledge of the game.