Ryan Goins just finished his third year as a shortstop with the Toronto Blue Jays organization

Last week, many people were on the edge of their seats cheering for the Texas Rangers to win the World Series. One of these people included, Ryan Goins; a native of Texas and the Toronto Blue Jays’ fourth-round pick of the 2009 MLB draft. After getting over the disappointing loss, Goins pleasantly sat down with JaysProspects to reveal information you may not have known about the young prospect.

Goins discussed waiting in anticipation for his name to be called in the 2009 draft. He explained that he listened to the whole first day of the draft as it was one of the first drafts that were televised in prime time. “The next morning was pretty stressful, just waiting for the fourth round to start. When I heard my name called and that I was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, my mom was home from work and was probably happier than I was! I can still remember her excitement when we called my dad,” announced Goins about the draft. “It was one of the best days of my life just knowing that I was going to have the opportunity to play professional baseball, something that I had worked for my whole life. My dreams were finally going to come true.”

Part of making his dreams come true has been spending the past three seasons with the Blue Jays organization. In fact he has been an integral member of the GCL Blue Jays, the Auburn Doubledays, the Lansing Lugnuts and the Dunedin Blue Jays. When asked if he had a favourite moment with any of the teams, Goins discussed a game that was played July 4th, 2010, in Lansing. “It was a packed stadium; you couldn’t see an empty seat. We ended up winning the game by a walkoff hit by Justin Jackson.” Goins reminisced, “I remember that we all just ran out with the fans cheering to celebrate. It was a great feeling. What topped it all off was when we were done, the fireworks started in left field. It was something you would read in a book or see in a movie!”

In 2011, with Dunedin, Goins posted a .286 batting average with 24 doubles, five triples, three homerun and 52 RBI.

Goins produced strong stats in 2011 with the Dunedin Blue Jays. Where, in 101 games, he posted a .286 batting average with 24 doubles, five triples, three homerun and 52 RBI. He admits that the proudest aspect of the game isn’t any of those stats, but in fact the entire season because of the teammates he played with. “We had a special chemistry you don’t see in minor league baseball too often; everyone on the team was on the same page of wanting to win and we all got along great together.” Goins stated to JaysProspects, “With so many different personalities and types of people on the team it’s special to watch us all come together and play for one goal. In the end, we had a great season and made the playoffs, and we were really close to the championship series.”

Goins may have been modest as strong stats have been prominent thus far in his professional career. In fact, at Dallas Baptist College, he posted a .366 average with 17 doubles, two triples, and 65 RBI.  “College baseball was awesome and I loved every minute of it.  I met some people that will stay my friends forever,” Goins stated.  “We were always the little guy going into the bigger teams’ house to play them, so it was always a fun time to play in front of a lot of fans and people that were going to be on you the whole game.” While he added, laughing, “It sure made winning there just a little bit sweeter!”

But what may surprise fans is that Goins didn’t do it all with the bat, as he pitched in college too. The young Texan went 3-1 with a 5.40 ERA, having a good strikeout to walk ratio with 19 walks and 27 strikeouts in 2008.  “I didn’t really choose,” Goins replied when asked why he chose to become a position player over a pitcher, “When I came into college I came in as a duel player and didn’t really hit much my freshman year, only having about 15 at bats.  So while I pitched out of the bullpen, I hated it because I wanted to hit so badly.  The next year they told me they were going to use me at second base to save my arm so that I could still be a starter on the weekends.  Finally, in my junior year, they decided it was best for the team to just be a full time hitter and shortstop.”

At Dallas Baptist College, Goins went 3-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 2008

Goins admits that his flexibility and adaptability has enabled him to be a stronger player. “Being versatile is something that is great in baseball as it just gives a team many more options.” Goins stated, “Growing up, my dad would work me everywhere, on the mound, middle infield, and even sometimes in the outfield. I’m glad all the hard work paid off.”

There is no denying that the hard work has paid off as Goins has posted a successful .961 fielding percentage in 263 games at shortstop with the Blue Jays’ organization. “I think the most important skill to have as an infielder is having good feet.  If you have good feet your hands will follow. Personally that’s something that I work on a lot is using my feet and not let myself get lazy.” Goins stated, discussing his defence. “I just try and make every play that I can and keep the other team from scoring.”

Overall, there is no denying that Goins is full of knowledge and skill. This, however, should be attributed to some special people who have supported him throughout his baseball career. “My dad and uncle were my two biggest influences growing up, with both playing minor league baseball themselves,” Goins announced. “My high school coach Tom Collins was also a huge influence on me, because he stayed on me all times about working hard and not letting anyone pass me by.” While he concluded, “My college coach, Dan Heefner, really turned me into the hitter I am today, while Nate Frieling, my college infield coach, hit me about a million fungos the three years I was at DBU.”

Evidently, all of these people, including the support from his teammates and the hard work and his own personal determination, have enabled the young 23-year-old shortstop prospect to find success at every level in which he has played.

While it is evident that Goins enjoys playing baseball all-day, every day, there is one thing that you could see him doing if he is not on the field – watching and reading reality television. “Many people do not know that I am a reality TV junky. I can watch reality TV all day long, it is so entertaining and dramatic it keeps me amused at all times.” Goins admits.  “As for magazines, I’m the guy who will stand in line and read the whole thing, and then put it back and check out!”

JaysProspects wishes Ryan Goins the best of luck in his future (and hopes that he avoids staring in a magazine tabloid himself!), and thanks him kindly for his time.