Ryan Flaherty was born on July 27th, 1986

Written by: Isabel Sanchez

Ryan Flaherty: The Ultimate Utility Player Turned Bench Coach

Ryan Flaherty is a name synonymous with versatility in the world of baseball. As a former infielder and current bench coach for the Chicago Cubs, Flaherty has made a name for himself as a jack-of-all-trades, having played every position except center field and catcher during his MLB career.

Early Life and High School Career

Born on July 27, 1986, Flaherty grew up in a baseball-loving family. His father, Edward, was a star player at the University of Maine and later became the head coach at the University of Southern Maine. Ryan would often accompany his father to practices, fielding grounders and learning the ropes from a young age.

Flaherty's talent was evident early on. He led Nova Seafood to the American Legion World Series Championship in 2004 and won the Telegram League batting title the same year. He was a 2005 American Baseball Coaches Association Preseason All-American and won Maine's Mr. Baseball award in honor of John Winkin.

College Career and Rise to the MLB

Ranked the 141st best professional prospect by Baseball America, Flaherty chose to attend Vanderbilt University, where he played college baseball for the Commodores in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. During his time at Vanderbilt, he played alongside future MLB stars David Price and Pedro Alvarez.

Flaherty's impressive college career paved the way for his entry into the MLB. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2008 and made his major league debut in 2012 with the Baltimore Orioles. He went on to play for the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians before transitioning to a coaching role.

Coaching Career and Philanthropy

In 2020, Flaherty became the bench coach for the San Diego Padres, a role he held until 2023. He has since joined the Chicago Cubs as their bench coach. Flaherty's coaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

Away from the diamond, Flaherty is committed to giving back to his community. He has been involved in various charity initiatives, including working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the MLB's RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program.

Personal Life and Trivia

Flaherty comes from a close-knit family. His younger brother, Regan, was a draft pick of the Seattle Mariners. When he's not on the field, Ryan enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family.

• Flaherty was a three-sport athlete in high school, lettering in baseball, basketball, and football.
• He was a finalist for the Fitzpatrick Trophy, awarded to Maine's best football player.
• Flaherty's father, Edward, has been the head coach at the University of Southern Maine for 32 years, and the field is named in his honor.

Ryan Flaherty's remarkable journey from utility player to bench coach is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the game. As he continues to make his mark on the MLB, he remains an inspiration to players and coaches alike.