Q & A with Indians Pitching Coach Ryan Kibler

How are you spending your off-season? Are you back home?

I’m back home in Gilbert, AZ spending time with Rhonda and Gavin. I’ve been attending Gavin’s high school and club soccer games, golfing, going to the gym, cooking, going out to dinner, coaching club baseball and attending off season workouts at the spring training complex. I have also been back to Tampa a couple of times to hang out with Mom and see family.

You've been in Spokane for a pair of seasons now. What do you like about the city and the region?

The wide variety of landscape and scenery. The golf courses are great. 3 of my favorite Mexican restaurants. Enjoying the breakfast sandwich and the peaceful golf range at The Creek of Qualchan is my favorite morning activity. I also have to mention all of the friendly and welcoming people that I get to see working at the ballpark every night.

Favorite NWL city besides Spokane?

Hillsboro is my favorite road city. The hotel is very comfortable and the golf in the area is really good. Numerous dining option and a mall in walking distance of the hotel was a plus.

How was the first season with a pitch clock?

There was a learning curve with the pitch clock but we figured it out pretty quickly after 6 infractions. We were even able to use it to our advantage at times. The operation of the clock seemed to be inconsistent from city to city early in the season but that was cleared up as well. The pitch clock considerably shortened the length of games allowing me to get home before midnight every night! I never thought I’d say this but I love the pitch clock.

Which Spokane pitchers took the biggest step forward in 2022?

Luke Taggart, Anderson Bido, Joe Rock, Case Williams, Fineas Del Bonta-Smith, Adam McKillican, and Austin Kitchen took the biggest steps forward in 2022. Their hard work and well deserved success was a pleasure to watch.

How would you describe your philosophy as a pitching coach?

My philosophy as a pitching coach is simple and aggressive. Prepare yourself, educate yourself, use your brain, use your body, attack the strike zone, and be resilient. There is another answer to that question as well. As a pitching coach my philosophy is to be completely interested in each individual player to have the desired positive impact.

How has the game of baseball changed since your playing career ended?

The game is played a little differently. Technology has become more prevalent. Strength and conditioning has changed and advanced a lot.

Favorite ballpark food?

A Brat with sauerkraut and mustard and a large Coke. Dippin' Dots for dessert. And the pizza at Avista Stadium is sneaky good.

Favorite big league pitcher to watch?

Favorite retired big league pitcher to watch: Greg Maddux

Favorite active big league pitcher to watch: Adam Wainwright

What are your interests outside of baseball?

Jai Alai, landscaping, music, golf, working out, cats, cooking, eating out, health and fitness research.

Any advice you would give to young pitchers?

Watch games, practice, work hard, take care of your body, be on time, pay attention to detail, and do things right. Don’t give hitters too much credit, throw strikes. Compete.

ABOUT THE SPOKANE INDIANS

The Spokane Indians are the High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies located in Spokane, Washington, and were named 2021 MiLB Organization of the Year. Avista Stadium is home to the MultiCare Kids Bench Seat. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians office and team store hours are 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Monday through Thursday and 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Fridays.