Bryant Baseball 2021 Pro Baseball Recap

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Bryant Athletics recaps the 2021 professional baseball season for Bryant alumni.

James Karinchak opened the year in the big leagues, while two Bulldog alums garnered season accolades for their outstanding performances. 

James Karinchak – Cleveland Indians and Columbus Clippers

Karinchak appeared in 60 games out of the bullpen for Cleveland, going 7-4 with 13 holds and 11 saves. He posted a 4.07 ERA, walked 32 and struck out 78 over 55.1 innings. Karinchak help opponents to a .176 average. Prior to the All-Star Game, Karinchak was 6-2 with a 2.52 ERA and was 9-of-11 in save opportunities.

Ryan Ward – Great Lakes Loons

Ward enjoyed one of the best offensive seasons in the Dodgers organization, earning Best Batting Prospect-High A Central from Baseball America. He was an organizational All-Star as well, hitting .278 with 21 doubles, 27 home runs, 84 RBI and 91 runs scored in 109 games. Ward enjoyed a stellar August, hitting .323 with 10 home runs and 25 RBI in 24 games.

Chris Wright – San Jose Giants and Eugene Emeralds

Wright shined in 2021, earning Minor League All-Star honors from Baseball America; the only reliever to do so. He dominated the end of the game for the Northwest League champion Emeralds, going 17-of-18 in save opportunities. Wright finished 4-0 with a 0.97 ERA and an astronomical 62 strikeouts in 37.0 innings. In 45 total appearances, Wright struck out 87 and was 21-of-22 in save opportunities.

Mickey Gasper – GCL Yankees, Hudson Valley Renegades, Somerset Patriots

Gasper played at three levels in 2021, finishing his season in Double-A with the Patriots. After battling injuries, Gasper returned to hit .318 with three doubles, two triples, two home runs and a .405 OBP in 21 games this year. He hit .343 with five extra-base hits and 10 runs scored in 10 games at the Double-A level.

Jimmy Titus – Three teams

Titus played at three different levels in 2021, finishing with a .212 average, 18 RBI and 24 runs scored. He started in the rookie league and saw most of his time in the Florida State League, posting a .233 average in 38 games.

Tyler Schoff – National Rookie Affiliate and Fredricksburg

Schoff appeared in seven games in his first season of professional baseball. Signed as a free agent following the 2021 season, Schoff went 1-0 with a 2.38 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 11.1 innings. After two dominant outings in rookie ball, Schoff was called up to Fredericksburg and posted a 3.00 ERA in 9.0 innings.

Liam McGill – FCL Braves

The 2021 NCAA leader in batting average, McGill appeared in 12 games for the FCL Braves. He hit .229 with four doubles, a home run and six RBI. McGill doubled and homered in his professional debut on August 19.