PIKEVILLE, Ky. – It’s a name right out of a Hollywood baseball movie – Bash Ryan.

The Pikeville Panthers are set to have another good season behind their senior standout, right-handed pitcher and shortstop Bash Ryan. Bash has been a name people around the region have heard for years. He has been playing baseball at an elite level since he was just a kid, being named a USSSA 11U All-American. Bash is now entering his senior year at Pikeville, and the future is bright for this young local star; he just committed to continue his baseball career at Transylvania University back in October.  

Bash is not only a five-tool player, he is also their ace on the mound.  The kid really can do it all, he will be a must watch player in the 15th region and the state of Kentucky.  

I had a chance to talk to Pikeville Head Coach Shane Simpkins about what Bash means to their team this year,  

“Bash will be a very integral part of how far our team goes this season.  He is a guy that has been a part of our program since being in the 8th grade and pitching in the All A State Championship Game.  He knows what we as a coaching staff are looking for and expect out of our guys, and he can be a direct extension of us out on the field for our younger guys.  He is going to play a major role defensively, offensively, and on the mound for us this season.”  

Coach Simpkins also commented on the work ethic Bash brings to the table and how he is preparing himself for a great season and future career at the next level,  

“He has prepared for this role in the off-season by hitting the weight room hard and spending time in the cages perfecting his swing.  Baseball is a game of a lot of highs and lows, and we are constantly talking to our guys about staying level, and he will be able to help with that this season. I am very proud of how hard Bash has worked to give him and our team the best chance to succeed this season and to continue his playing career in college at Transylvania University in the fall.”  

Bash finished his junior season with some impressive numbers at the plate and on the mount:  

Hitting –  

BA: .349 

OB%: .431 

1B: 22 

2B: 6 

3B: 1 

HR: 1 

RBI: 17 

BB: 11 

Runs: 19 

Pitching – 

W: 2 

L: 3 

K: 46 

BAA: .214 

BB: 12 

Innings Pitched: 31.2 

ER: 13 

ERA: 2.8 

You can catch Bash Ryan and the Pikeville Panthers for their opening game this Friday, March 20 at Pikeville High School where they take on Johnson Central.