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November 5, 2009

'A blast': Hanigan impresses with glove, bat as starter in major leagues

Andover native starting catcher for Reds

By David Willis

Andover's Ryan Hanigan admits that, at times, he still finds himself taking in his big league surrounds.

"When you're in the moment," he said, "you still think to yourself, 'This is awesome.' It is definitely exciting to play and perform well. But I never lose myself. I am proud of my performance this year."

The former Andover High star had plenty to be proud of this summer, as he recently finished his first full season in Major League Baseball — and third overall big league season — with the Cincinnati Reds.

"For every major leaguer there is a sense of excitement," he said. "Playing a game in front of so many people. As much of a grind as it is, it can also be a blast."

After having to spent some time in the minor leagues each of the last two seasons, Hanigan held the title of Reds starting catcher for the majority of this year.

The major leagues is now nothing new to Hanigan. He saw his first big league time in 2007, called up to the Reds on Sept. 4 and doubling in his first major league at-bat off All-Star pitcher Ben Sheets. He played in five games that season.

He again started the 2008 season in Triple-A Louisville, before being called up on Aug. 10. He saw extensive playing time last year, playing in 31 games, hitting .271 with nine RBIs.

With that success, Hanigan entered 2009 spring training with one primary goal, make the major league squad out of camp — a goal that he succeeded in as he broke camp with the Reds.

"That is always the goal," said Hanigan. "To do that is huge. I feel like establishing myself in that way was very big. To make it out of camp and stay there the whole year is a big deal. It's about learning the league. After you see the pitchers and hitters, you feel like you can adjust to them better."

But, early in the season, playing time was tough to find for Hanigan. He saw the field in just five of the Reds' first 21 games. That all while then-starting catcher Ramon Hernandez scuffled to a .246 batting average.

"It's tough when you're not playing as much as you want to," said Hanigan. "But you have to understand your role and know things change a lot during the season."

Change did occur for the Reds. Hernandez began playing more first base, as Hanigan emerged as their starting catcher beginning on May 1. Overall, he played in 90 games — starting 88 — logging 670 1/3 innings behind the play for the squad.

While his defense was never in question, Hanigan's bat was what attracted the most attention in his play early on. Through July 31, the 29-year-old was hitting a scintillating .315 with four doubles and eight RBIs.

"I felt like I swung the bat pretty well," he said. "Things worked out the right way and I ended up as the starting catcher. Having the big leagues see me run out there every day, it helps you gain the confidence of the organization."

Trouble, however, struck Hanigan as the season went on. First it was a neck problem. Then, he suffered a concussion after being hit by a foul ball while catching.

"A foul tip hit me and gave me a concussion after cracking my helmet," said Hanigan. "They'll put you on the disabled list pretty quick with a head injury. I lost my timing and consistency after the injuries. Anything can set you back, but you have to fight through it."

Hanigan finished the year with a respectable .263 average with six doubles, three home runs and 11 RBIs. But it was, as always, his work behind the plate that drew the most praise.

"Your main job (as a catcher) is to handle the pitching staff," he said. "You have to be on top of that. The amount of scouting reports is far more than you ever see in the minors.

"I think I handed that pretty well. I had a good talk with (manager) Dusty (Baker) and our general manager (Walt Jocketty). It doesn't guarantee anything, but they have confidence in my handling the pitchers and my work defensively."

Hanigan, who will be traveling out to Los Angeles to beginning training for the 2010 season next week, was recently visiting in Andover. But he had seen his parents, still residents of Andover, throughout the season.

"I'm really close to my family," he said. "They travel around a lot to New York, Chicago and Cincinnati. It's tough to travel, but they love it. They have the MLB (cable TV) package. They're my biggest fans."

The Ryan Hanigan File

Age: 29

Height: 6-0

Weight: 195

Sport: Baseball

Position: Catcher

High School: Three-year varsity starter for Andover High. Named Eastern Mass. All-Star in senior season after hitting .397 and slugging .510.

College: Played three seasons at Rollins College. Fifth all-time in school history with a .358 average. Played "out of position" in the outfield and third base.

Cape Cod: Excelled in prestigious Cape Cod summer league. Hit .292 and earned Top New England Prospect honors.

Professional: After being called up during the two pervious seasons, spent the entire year in the major leagues this season, playing 90 games at catcher for the Cincinnati Reds. Hit .263 with three home runs and 11 RBIs.

Fun Fact: Is believed to be the first player from Andover to make the major leagues.

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'A blast': Hanigan impresses with glove, bat as starter in major leagues
by By David Willis , , Thu Nov 05, 2009, 01:32 PM EST
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