Connie Ryan – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Connie Ryan wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1954 after twelve seasons as a utility infielder, but honestly, his story goes way beyond just being a player. Born in New Orleans in 1920, Ryan built a solid career back when baseball ruled as America’s favorite pastime.

He started out at Louisiana State University, then bounced around six different MLB teams, making memorable stops with the Boston Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.

Ryan hit .248 for his career, clubbed 56 home runs, and drove in 381 runs, but those stats only scratch the surface. After his playing days, he became a well-respected coach and manager, working with teams for over three decades.

He could play just about anywhere in the infield, mostly second and third base, and his flexibility kept him valuable. In 1944, he made the All-Star team, which was probably the high point of his playing career, but he also helped championship teams as both a player and a coach.

If you look closer at Ryan’s life, you’ll see how his love for baseball kept him in the game for years, coaching, managing, and scouting. From his LSU days to his final years with the Texas Rangers as a coach, Ryan’s baseball journey really captures that era’s opportunities for people who truly got the game.

Early Life and Education

Cornelius Joseph Ryan was born on February 27, 1920, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in an Irish-American family.

Ryan’s athletic gifts showed up early. He stood out at Jesuit High School and became the first player to ever get a full baseball scholarship to Louisiana State University.

Family Background and Childhood

Cornelius Joseph Ryan arrived in New Orleans on February 27, 1920. He came from Irish roots and was raised in a working-class family.

His dad worked an administrative job for a local barge line. As the oldest of three boys, Connie took on plenty of responsibility.

Sports grabbed Ryan’s attention early on. He played for local American Legion teams in 1935 and 1936, showing off his athleticism.

Those early baseball experiences helped shape where he’d go next. The competitive world of American Legion ball gave him a real taste for the game.

Jesuit High School Achievements

Ryan went to Jesuit High School in New Orleans and quickly became a standout in several sports. He played baseball, football, basketball, and ran track.

Coaches and scouts noticed his ability to do it all. The school itself had a strong sports tradition and eventually produced other MLB All-Stars.

Notable Jesuit High School alumni include:

• Rusty Staub (MLB All-Star)
• Will Clark (MLB All-Star)
• Connie Ryan

Ryan’s performances at Jesuit High School really caught the eye of college recruiters. Baseball, in particular, was where he shined brightest.

Baseball Scholarship to LSU

Ryan made history as the first person to get a full baseball scholarship to Louisiana State University. That was a big deal back then.

This scholarship gave him a chance to keep studying while playing competitive baseball. It was a big opportunity for a young athlete like him.

At the time, LSU’s baseball program was just starting to get noticed. The university saw something special in Ryan and decided to take a chance on him.

Getting that scholarship changed Ryan’s life. It proved his athletic skills and opened the door to pro baseball.

Time at Louisiana State University

Ryan didn’t stay at LSU as long as he first planned. He played just one season for the Tigers before facing a big decision.

He had to pick between staying in college or jumping into pro baseball. His passion for the game won out.

Ryan left LSU during Christmas break of his sophomore year. He’d thought about maybe going into law, but baseball pulled him away.

Leaving school early really showed how committed he was to the sport. He joined the Atlanta Crackers in the Southern League to start his pro career.

Later, Al Dark—who would become Ryan’s Braves teammate—also starred at LSU, which is a neat little connection.

Path to the Major Leagues

Cornelius Joseph Ryan’s journey to the majors started in Louisiana and ran through the minor leagues. He shined with the Atlanta Crackers and earned a scholarship to LSU before making his MLB debut with the New York Giants in 1942.

Minor League Baseball and Atlanta Crackers

Ryan first got noticed playing for American Legion teams in 1935 and 1936. He was a multi-sport star at Jesuit High School, which also produced Rusty Staub and Will Clark.

He became LSU’s first full baseball scholarship recipient, but his heart was set on pro ball. He left LSU over Christmas break in his sophomore year to chase that dream.

He signed with the Atlanta Crackers in the Southern League. In his first season, the team sent him to Savannah in the Sally League, where he hit .316 in 113 games.

That performance got him promoted back to Atlanta in 1941. In 1941, Ryan batted .300 over 151 games and drove in 83 runs.

He stood out as Atlanta’s Most Valuable Player that year. Major league scouts started paying real attention to him.

Major League Debut

The New York Giants bought Ryan’s contract from Atlanta on August 7, 1941. Manager Mel Ott, who was from New Orleans, liked what he saw in Ryan.

Ryan made his MLB debut on April 14, 1942, at 22 years old with the Giants. The team hoped he could be their next second baseman, replacing Burgess Whitehead.

His rookie year didn’t go as planned. He only played 11 games, hit .185, and made four errors, feeling the pressure of the big leagues.

One highlight came on May 12 at the Polo Grounds. Ryan almost turned an unassisted triple play against Pittsburgh, but he tossed to shortstop Billy Jurges to finish it instead.

Development as a Professional Athlete

Ryan’s struggles led the Giants to send him down to Jersey City in the International League. He batted .241 in 112 games there, which didn’t get him back to the majors right away.

On April 27, 1943, the Giants traded Ryan and catcher Hugh Poland to the Boston Braves for six-time All-Star catcher Ernie Lombardi. This move really helped Ryan’s career.

In Boston, Ryan got regular time as the starting second baseman. The nerves from his rookie year faded as he gained confidence.

By 1944, Ryan had become a solid big leaguer. He made his first and only All-Star team that year, playing all nine innings at second base in the National League’s 7-1 win at Forbes Field.

Major League Baseball Career Highlights

Connie Ryan played 13 seasons in the majors from 1942 to 1954, suiting up for six teams and earning a reputation as a skilled defensive infielder. His biggest moment? Getting picked for the National League All-Star Game in 1944 and later helping the Boston Braves reach the 1948 World Series.

Teams and Positions Played

Ryan started his major league run with the New York Giants in 1942 at age 22. He mostly played second base, but filled in at third base when needed.

He didn’t last long with the Giants before getting traded to the Boston Braves in April 1943, along with Hugh Poland, for All-Star Ernie Lombardi. That trade really gave Ryan’s career a boost.

After Boston, Ryan played for the Cincinnati Reds from 1950 to 1951. He moved on to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1952, where he reunited with Eddie Stanky, who’d gone from rival to friend.

He finished his career with short stints on the Chicago White Sox and then back with the Cincinnati Redlegs in 1954. Over 1,185 games, Ryan hit .248 with 56 home runs and 381 RBIs.

All-Star Game and 1944 Season

Ryan’s best year came in 1944 when he made his only All-Star Game appearance. He played the whole game at second base as the National League beat Pittsburgh 7-1 at Forbes Field.

During the game, Ryan racked up two hits and stole the only base of the contest. He showed he could help both on offense and defense.

At the time, Ryan was batting .295 for the Braves. He was tied for the National League lead in stolen bases with 13 and was on track to lead in fielding average.

His great 1944 season got cut short when he enlisted in the Navy on July 25, just two weeks after the All-Star Game. Even though he played only 88 games, he still got some MVP votes.

Stint with the Boston Braves

Ryan’s best years happened with the Boston Braves from 1943 to 1950. He served as their regular second baseman for several seasons and helped the team improve under manager Billy Southworth.

In 1943, Ryan played 132 games in his first full big league season. He only hit .212, but he had some clutch moments, like a key two-run pinch-hit homer against his old Giants teammates.

After coming back from military service in 1946, Ryan helped the Braves climb to fourth place that year and third in 1947. He surprised people with his power, finishing among the team leaders in doubles and knocking in 69 runs in 1947.

When the Braves brought in Eddie Stanky before 1948, Ryan shifted to a utility role. He still found ways to help the team, even with less playing time.

Contribution in the 1948 World Series

Ryan played a backup role in the Boston Braves’ 1948 World Series run against the Cleveland Indians. The Braves didn’t win, but Ryan’s experience added depth to the roster.

He got into two games during the Series, coming in as a defensive sub and pinch-hitter. He struck out in his only at-bat, but his leadership and readiness mattered.

The 1948 Braves won the National League pennant, and Ryan backed up the regular infield as a reliable utility man. His steady glove and baseball smarts came in handy during the playoff push.

Ryan’s World Series appearance was the high point of his team achievements, since he never got back to the postseason after that.

Statistical Achievements and Playing Style

Connie Ryan hit .248 over 12 seasons, showing off defensive versatility and putting up solid offensive numbers for a middle infielder of his time. His .694 OPS over his career showed steady production, and his best years came in the mid-1940s when he locked down second base.

Batting Average and OPS

Ryan’s .248 career batting average put him in the group of dependable defensive players from his era. His best offensive year was 1944, when he hit .295 with a .780 OPS for the Braves.

That season got him his All-Star nod and a 26th-place finish in MVP voting. His .416 slugging percentage that year was the best of his career.

Ryan posted a .337 on-base percentage over his career, showing he had good plate discipline. He drew 518 walks and struck out 514 times, which isn’t something you see every day.

His rOBA (runs above average based on offense) peaked at .387 in 1953 with Philadelphia. That stat really highlights how he could contribute beyond just batting average.

Power Hitting: Home Runs and Doubles

Ryan hit 56 home runs and 181 doubles in his 12-year career. His power really took off in 1951 with Cincinnati, when he belted 16 homers, a personal best.

In 1944, he showed off his knack for extra-base hits, collecting 18 doubles and 4 home runs. That year, he racked up 202 total bases, which ended up being his top mark.

He kept hitting doubles at a steady clip. Ryan tallied double-digit doubles in eight seasons, peaking at 33 in 1947.

His power numbers mirrored the offensive trends of his era. Most of his home runs came in the late 1940s and early 1950s, when hitters across the league started putting up bigger numbers.

Speed: Stolen Bases and Runs

Ryan swiped 69 bases in his career, though he got caught 42 times. His best base-stealing season came in 1944, when he stole 13 bags for Boston.

He crossed the plate 535 times in his career, with a high of 81 runs in 1952 for Philadelphia. That year, he played every single game—154 in all—which says a lot about his durability and value as a leadoff guy.

Ryan’s speed worked hand-in-hand with his defensive flexibility. He handled several infield spots and sometimes played outfield, showing off his athleticism.

His base-running added a lot to his overall game. Those stolen bases and runs scored helped make up for a batting average that, honestly, wasn’t always eye-popping.

Notable Single-Game and Season Records

Ryan made the All-Star team in 1944, which probably stands as the highlight of his individual achievements. That season, he posted a 3.2 WAR, his best ever.

On September 29, 1949, he pulled off a memorable stunt—batting in a raincoat to protest heavy rain. The umpires tossed him for that, and it’s still a quirky story from his career.

He played in 1,184 games and notched 988 career hits. In 1952, he played 154 games, tying for the league lead and showing just how tough he was.

His career totals include 381 RBIs and a .357 slugging percentage. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but they show steady production from a guy teams mostly relied on for defense and versatility.

Coaching, Managing, and Scouting Career

After he hung up his spikes in 1954, Ryan jumped right into coaching. He spent 25 years as a manager, coach, and scout with several organizations.

He managed in the Braves organization through their moves from Boston to Milwaukee to Atlanta. He even served as interim manager for both the Atlanta Braves in 1975 and the Texas Rangers in 1977.

Transition to Coaching

Ryan started his post-playing career immediately after retiring in 1954. He began managing in the minors in 1955.

He got his first big league coaching shot with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957. Ryan worked as the third-base coach for Fred Haney during the 1957 Milwaukee Braves championship season.

That job kicked off a long relationship with the Braves. He stayed with the franchise as it moved through three different cities over the years.

In the 1960s, he branched out to other organizations. Ryan worked as a scout and managed in the minors for the Houston Astros, and had a short stint with the Kansas City A’s.

Managerial Roles in Professional Baseball

Ryan’s big league managing career was short and a bit unusual. He stepped in for Clyde King as Atlanta Braves manager on August 30, 1975.

He led Atlanta to a 9-18 record over the last 27 games that season. It was a brief run, but it gave him a taste of managing at the highest level.

In 1977, he started as a coach with the Texas Rangers. When Frank Lucchesi got replaced by Eddie Stanky—who, fun fact, played with Ryan on the 1948-49 Braves—things changed fast.

Stanky quit after just one game. Ryan took over as interim manager for six games from June 23 to 27. Texas went 2-4 in those games.

His overall major league managerial record ended up at 11-22, a .333 winning percentage. The Rangers hired Billy Hunter as the new manager, and Ryan stayed on as a coach until 1979.

Successes in Minor Leagues

Ryan put together a solid minor league managing record—403 wins and 383 losses. He led teams in different leagues and organizations from 1955 to 1977.

He managed clubs like the Corpus Christi Clippers, Austin Senators, Seattle Rainiers, and Oklahoma City 89ers. Ryan also managed the Magic Valley Cowboys in the Pioneer League.

He sharpened his managerial skills in the Texas League and Pacific Coast League. Those experiences helped him build a reputation as a smart baseball mind.

Ryan’s minor league career lasted over 20 years. He developed players and picked up the finer points of managing, which helped him in his major league roles.

Scouting Career and Contributions

Scouting became a key part of Ryan’s life after his playing days. He scouted for the Atlanta Braves in the 1970s, juggling those duties with coaching and managing.

He traveled all over the minor leagues and amateur baseball to find talent. His experience on the field gave him an edge when it came to evaluating players.

The Braves counted on Ryan to spot prospects. His work played a part in their player development during those years.

Even after he finished managing, Ryan stayed active in baseball through scouting. He kept working in the game into the late 1970s, wrapping up a career that stretched over three decades.

Legacy and Personal Life

Cornelius Joseph Ryan left a modest but meaningful mark on professional baseball. People recognized him for his defense and fierce competitiveness.

He stayed in the game as a coach and manager until his death in 1996.

Awards and Honors

Ryan’s biggest honor probably came in 1944, when he made the National League All-Star team. He played all nine innings at second base, picked up two hits, and swiped the game’s only stolen base in a 7-1 National League win at Forbes Field.

He hit just .295 that season, but it was enough to get some MVP votes. His year got cut short when he joined the Navy in July, so he missed out on what might’ve been his best season.

In 1953, he tied a Major League record with six hits in one game against Pittsburgh. That outburst was pretty rare for a player known more for his glove than his bat.

His defense earned him respect around the league. Ryan could turn double plays and anchor the infield, which kept him in the majors for 12 seasons, even though he finished with a .248 career average.

Influence on Future Generations

Ryan’s influence reached beyond his playing days, especially through his long coaching career from 1954 to 1979. He stepped in as interim manager for both the Atlanta Braves in 1975 and the Texas Rangers in 1977.

He focused on fundamentals and defensive positioning as a coach. Former players often called him an excellent teacher who really understood baseball strategy.

Ryan worked with the Braves in three different cities. He played as a utility man for the 1948 National League champion Boston Braves, then coached for the Milwaukee Braves later on.

People in the game respected him for his baseball smarts. Teams wanted him around to help young infielders and teach the right way to play defense.

Retirement and Final Years

After he wrapped up his coaching career in 1979, Ryan kept himself involved in baseball in different ways. He kept in touch with old teammates and often showed up at baseball events.

Ryan passed away on January 3, 1996, at 75. He really lived through baseball’s golden era, starting with his debut in 1942 and staying in the game for nearly forty years.

His career shows the kind of steady, hardworking players who held baseball together in the 1940s and 1950s. Ryan stood for that era’s focus on defense and fundamentals, not just the big, flashy stats.

Growing up in New Orleans, he became the first player to get a full baseball scholarship to Louisiana State University, which opened doors for future student-athletes.