LEITCH DRAFTED BY THE CINCINNATI REDS

Toronto, ON — Toronto Mets Catcher, and Marshall University commit, Ryan Leitch was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds in the 30th round of the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft on Wednesday afternoon.
 
Leitch, was born in Clarksburg, WV before moving to Ajax, ON when he was five years old. He Played baseball for Ajax Minor Baseball Association before moving on to join the Toronto Mets Development program in his Freshman year in high school. “I have just always loved playing baseball and it has a special place in my heart” say Leitch. “I have to give a shout out to my dad who has been there for me since I was three years old playing baseball against six year olds. I don’t know where I would be without him.”

The moment an athlete hears his name called in any sport to the next level is such a memorable moment. For Leitch, “It truly was a lifelong dream come true.” Leitch was driving home from a high school baseball game and he received a number of messages telling him congratulations. At this point he didn’t even know himself that he was drafted. “I didn’t know what it was until I checked the board and I seen that the (Cincinnati) Reds had drafted me. Words couldn’t describe the feelings I was feeling.”

Ryan McBride, Toronto Mets President, was very happy to see Leitch’s name called. “It is always a proud and special moment when any of our players are drafted and I am happy for all of them. This one however has a special meaning for me personally. I remember the phone call from West Virginia when Ryan was born. He has worked extremely hard and it is exciting to watch him begin to realize his baseball goals.” 

For the Major League baseball Draft, the spotlight is always on the athlete and deservingly so. For Ryan Leitch, the spotlight is not just for him, but shared for his family. “I thought of my parents, and how I couldn’t wait to tell them, and I thought of my grandfather who even though he isn’t around to see it, I know he is happy.”

A very special moment for a very deserving athlete. Congratulations to Ryan Leitch and the entire Leitch Family.