Guide Note:Ryan Dempster is a Major League Baseball player currently pitching for the Florida Marlins. He graduated from Elphinstone Secondary School in 1995 where he played basketball and soccer. Spent his first professional season in baseball in the Gulf Coast League in 1995. After being acquired by the Florida Marlins in 1996 he spent the season in the Midwest League. IN 1997 he pitched for the Brevard County Manatees leading the league in wins, innings pitched and strikeouts. He made a fast rise through the minor leagues in 1998 pitching for both the Portland Sea Dogs and the Charlotte Knights while also making his Major League Baseball debut with the Florida Marlins that season. In 1999 he lead the Florida Marlins with 126 strikeouts and had 7 wins in 25 starts. During his first full season with the Florida Marlins in 2000 he made the All-Star team and finished the season with 14 wins while setting a Florida Marlins record with 209 strikeouts. A highlight of the season was a shutout of the New York Mets on May 7 allowing only a single to Mike Piazza. During the 2001 season he recorded his 500th career strikeout and finished the season with 15 wins. On July 11, 2002 he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds and in late 2003 he underwent surgery on his right elbow. His recovery was very quick and returned in the second half of the 2004 season pitching for the Chicago Cubs. He continued as a starting pitcher until May of 2005 when he became the Chicago Cubs closer, saving 33 games in 35 chances for the season. The 2006 season saw him struggle as a closer saving only 24 games in 33 chances and had 9 losses. He returned to the starting rotation at the beginning of the 2008 season. He has been very active in charities, giving to the KIDS THAT CARE Pediatric and Cancer Fund, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, the Garth Brooks Teammates For Kids Foundation among others. He is known for a laid-back attitude, joking with fans and teammates. Known also for a great impersonation of former Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray.
Fast Facts:
- Born: May 3, 1977 in Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada
- Full name: Ryan Scott Dempster
- High School: Elphinstone Secondary School
- Position: Pitcher
- Bats: Right
- Throws: Right
- Major League Debut: May 23, 1998
- Career Record: 60 wins, 75 losses
- Career Earned Run Average: 4.78
