Ryan Madson
| Full Name : | Ryan Michael Madson |
| Public : | Ryan Madson |
| Nickname : | Mad Dog |
| Country : | United States (USA)  |
| DOB : | August 28, 1980 (Age 29) |
| Place : | Long Beach, California |
| Height : | 6' 6" |
| Weight : | 202 lbs. |
| Sport : | Baseball - MLB |
| Team : | Philadelphia Phillies |
| Level : | Professional |
| Status : | Very Good |
| Philadelphia Phillies | |
| Pitcher | |
| Jersey # 46 | |
| Bats : Left | Throws : Right |
MLB Team :
Philadelphia Phillies (2003 - present)
Drafted :
254th overall in 2002
Philadelphia Phillies
Achievement :
2008 World Series champion
(Updated July 13, 2009)
Ryan Michael Madson, nicknamed "Mad Dog", is a professional baseball player currently signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born in Long Beach, California on August 28, 1980.
Madson is a left-handed pitcher who throws a four-seam fastball that ranges from 94 to 97 mph. He also throws a cutter that ranges from 88 to 92 mph and a circle changeup that ranges from 78 to 84 mph. On January 19th, 2009, Madson signed a new deal with the Phillies, reportedly a 3-year, $12 million contract.
Madson graduated from Valley View High School (Riverside County) in 1998 with a 3.5 GPA. His uncle, Steve Barr, was in the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers systems from 1969-1975. Madson was drafted by the Phillies in the 9th round (254th overall) of the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft.
Highly regarded by the Phillies ever since they drafted him, Madson got to the major league level for good in 2004 as a relief pitcher. In 2005, he started out well, but appeared to wear down late in the season, finishing with a 4.14 ERA in 87 innings.
The Phillies had high hopes for Madson in 2006, when they converted him back to a starter, the role he held throughout his minor league career. But after struggling as a starter, he was returned to the bullpen to make room for Cole Hamels. Madson has now become part of the "bridge to Lidge (closer Brad Lidge)", developing into an outstanding set-up man.
With a devastating changeup, Madson has found increased velocity, hitting as high as 97 miles per hour in the 2008 National League Championship Series. Madson earned his first playoff victory when the Philles defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLCS. He pitched 1 2/3 innings, striking out one while allowing one hit and one walk.
On January 19th, 2009, Ryan Madson agreed to a 3 year, $12 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. When Brad Lidge was placed on the disabled list on June 9, 2009, Ryan Madson was chosen to be the Phillies' choice for interim closer. Madson got his first save in his new role on June 10, 2009 against the Mets.
