Radford University Athletics

After more than a decade away and a four-year stint with the Colorado Rockies, Ryan Speier returned to Radford University in 2012 and joins the baseball staff as the student assistant coach for the Highlanders.
 
Speier, the second Highlander to reach the major leagues, spent 2005 through 2009 in Colorado and pitched in the 2007 World Series.  He also played a season in Japan with the Pacific League’s Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2011.  Speier pitched at Radford from 1998-2001, leaving the Highlanders following the 2001 campaign to sign as a free agent with the Rockies.
 
At Radford, Speier works with the pitching staff – he’ll also balance baseball with completing his course work in psychology.
 
Speier, whose road to the majors included 22 appearances for the Salem Avalanche in 2002, was named the Minor League Baseball Rolaids Relief Man award winner in 2004 after 37 saves at Double-A Tulsa – he was the first Rockies farmhand to earn this distinction.
 
After earning a roster spot out of spring training in 2005, Speier won his major league debut on Opening Day in relief against the Padres, becoming just the fourth rookie since 1960 to win his debut on Opening Day.  He was on the postseason roster for the Rockies in 2007 - their only World Series appearance – and earned a Division Series save against the Phillies. 
 
Speier finished his four seasons in the major leagues with a 7-3 record and 3.99 ERA in 90 relief outings.