August 25, 2015
Ryan McBroom’s 38 doubles and 11 home runs led him to Midwest League MVP honors. (Kyle Castle/MiLB.com)
The Lansing Lugnuts had a memorable season. After clinching a playoff berth in the first half of the season. The Lugnuts have continued to find success as players have been promoted and traded throughout the second half of play. Despite all these changes, the team still finds ways to win ball games.
On Monday the team was recognized again, but this time it was in an individual way as the Midwest League named first baseman Ryan McBroom league MVP. This is a tremendous honor for the 23-year old prospect that’s having a remarkable season in his first full year.
Carrying a .323/.394/.496 slash line is just the beginning of what McBroom has accomplished all season at the plate. Registering 136 hits on the year, which included a league leading 38 doubles, a triple, and 11 home runs; McBroom has continued to showcase the kind of power you like to see from a corner infielder.
The Virginia native also leads the league in batting average and is second in OBP to his Lugnuts’ teammate Chris Carlson. The prospect is also second in slugging percentage behind Lake County’s (Cleveland Indians low-A affiliate) Bobby Bradley who slightly edged McBroom out in the RBI department as well.
While many fans expected big things from McBroom in April after he was announced on the Lansing Lugnuts’ opening day roster not many saw this coming from the former 15th round pick. For McBroom he was just happy to be on a full season club which was his goal entering spring camp.
“It was an exciting time for both my family and I when I found out I was coming to Lansing,” said McBroom. “It felt great to get out of spring training and be able to perform for a club. It was especially nice to get sent to Lansing, as the team receives a lot of fan support. There are always great crowds every night and it has been great representing the Blue Jays organization here all season.”
Obviously coaching plays a major role in a season like McBroom has had in 2015. Explaining what he’s liked about working with the prospect Lansing Lugnuts’ hitting coach Kenny Graham has nothing but respect for the way McBroom handles his at-bats every outing.
“Ryan McBroom looked good out there all year,” said Graham. “Ryan is an older guy in our lineup as he went through college ball. But he fit right in here from the start. We had high expectations for Ryan after he had a big year in Vancouver a year ago. Ryan has handled the expectations well as he has good at-bats every outing.”
But to get the most out of the coaching the player must first be willing to buy into the process. McBroom did just that in 2015 and the mentoring he received from Kenny Graham only solidified the kind of potential that McBroom has moving forward.
“Kenny is great because he doesn’t mess with my swing too much,” explained McBroom. “Kenny wants me to do what’s best for me and my career. He facilitates the process which is something I really like. He helps me out every day and it’s pretty cool working with him.”
While his rise to the major leagues might still be a few years away, it’s obvious Blue Jays fans should keep their eyes on this prospect in the upcoming seasons as he has all the tools to be a major league talent one day.
Until then fans can savor this accomplishment knowing there’s more to come from Ryan McBroom.