Kellogg's Quest
At 6'6, 230 pounds, South Bend Cubs starter Ryan Kellogg casts an intimidating presence on the mound for opposing hitters. In his first year in South Bend, the lefty hopes to make an impression as big as his shadow in the latest stop of his baseball journey.
Growing up in Ontario, Ryan often found himself on a patch of grass in front of his childhood home playing catch instead of skating on a sheet of ice as many kids in Canada do.
"I started late," Kellogg said about playing hockey. "I didn't start until I was about 10. I had friends that could skate before they could walk."
Growing up with a parent that was a fan of baseball, the love of the game was passed on at an early age.
"My mom was a school bus driver and she loved baseball growing up, Kellogg said. "She would drive the kids to school and I would go with her. She would stay home with me in between. We lived in a townhouse and had a big grass area out front. I would spend six hours playing baseball with my mom and when I got old enough she got me into a league. I almost quit when I was six or seven but my mom convinced me to give it one more year."
As the old saying goes, mom does in fact know best. Kellogg would go on to play for the Canadian national junior team in 2011 and 2012 and started to think America's national pastime could become more than just a hobby.
"Being able to go out there and compete for your country was a huge honor," Kellogg said with a smile. "To be in high school and to play professional teams and pitch against them was a good indication that I might be able to do this."
Originally selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 12th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, Kellogg decided to attend Arizona State University where his 28 career wins rank tenth in school history. Usually calm and collected, the former ASU star admitted he was nervous going back to his old stomping grounds this past February to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
After being selected in the fifth round in last year's draft by the Cubs, Ryan begins his first year in South Bend where he knows he has a solid team to back him up.
"I'm not a big strikeout guy," Kellogg admitted. "Having a defense like that you don't have to be afraid of contact. You go out here in big situations and say I'm going to get a ground ball right here and get out of this mess. Let them put the ball in play and put the defense to work. That's why you have seven guys standing behind you."
Whether it's been his family or his teammates, Kellogg has always appreciated the people in his corner during his journey. But just as important to him is being able to contribute and help his team win.
"Quality starts are one of the biggest goals, Kellogg said. "To be able to get through those innings and help this team win. I'm just excited to be out here and get ready to throw six, seven innings every night."