Relief pitcher with a 15-year MLB career, known for his dominant setup work and postseason performances.
Ryan Madson, born on August 28, 1980, is an American former professional baseball pitcher, best known for his remarkable performance as a setup man, earning him two World Series championships with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Kansas City Royals.
Madson's career spans over 15 years, with stints at the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Dodgers. His impressive skills on the mound have made him a valuable asset to his teams, particularly in the postseason.
Madson is second all-time in postseason pitching appearances, with only Mariano Rivera having pitched in more postseason games. His impressive postseason record includes wins in the 2008 and 2015 World Series, cementing his place as a reliable setup man.
Madson's arsenal includes three types of fastballs: a four-seamer, a sinker, and a cut fastball. He also throws a circle changeup, which he uses to keep hitters off balance. His ability to throw a variety of pitches at high speeds, including a 97-mph fastball, has made him a formidable opponent on the mound.
Born in Long Beach, California, Madson graduated from Valley View High School in 1998 with a 3.5 GPA. He committed to play college baseball for the University of Southern California (USC) before being drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth round of the 1998 MLB draft.
Madson made his major league debut in 2003 with the Phillies, where he played until 2011. During his time with the Phillies, he transitioned from a starting pitcher to a relief pitcher, eventually becoming an outstanding setup man. His success with the Phillies earned him a role in the 2008 NLCS, where he pitched 123 innings, striking out one while allowing one hit and one walk.
When Brad Lidge was placed on the disabled list in 2009, Madson took on the role of interim closer for the Phillies. He earned his first save in his new role on June 10, 2009, against the New York Mets.
Ryan Madson's impressive career, marked by his dominance as a setup man and his clutch performances in the postseason, has solidified his place as one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball history.
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