Ryan Pepiot played three years at Butler, pitching in 42 games. Photo courtesy of Butler Athletics.
OWEN PRISCOTT | STAFF REPORTER | [email protected]
From Butler to the Big Leagues
In the upcoming MLB season, starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot will represent the Tampa Bay Rays, taking the mound regularly. Before facing major league hitters and large crowds, Pepiot honed his competitive skills as a key pitcher at Butler, where he made history as their highest-drafted player.
Early Athletes
Pepiot’s path to professional baseball was marked by challenges. Growing up in Westfield, he played multiple sports, not limiting himself to baseball alone. He recalls, “My dad got my brother and I into sports from a young age, and he made us try every sport possible: football, basketball, and others.” Throughout high school, travel baseball coexisted with other athletic endeavors.
High School Success
At Westfield High School, Pepiot excelled as a four-year starting quarterback, earning honors during his senior year by passing for over 2,700 yards. He also shone in baseball, finishing his senior spring with a .321 batting average and a notable pitching ERA of 1.90.
College Transition
Pepiot, initially ranked as the 387th right-handed pitcher in his class, committed to Butler after a campus visit. Yet, even before he began, coach Steve Farley, who recruited him, was let go after a tough season, leaving Pepiot to adapt to a new coaching staff.
Rise in College Baseball
Under new coach Dave Schrage, Pepiot quickly stood out, showcasing a competitive spirit unique for a freshman. He learned how to thrive in the competitive Big East Conference, participating in challenging matchups early in his career.
Ace of the Bulldogs
As his college career progressed, Pepiot became Butler’s go-to pitcher. By his junior year, he had not only set strikeout records but established himself as a major league prospect. Selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft, he proved his development from a multi-sport athlete into a potential league star.
Life in the MLB
Pepiot made his MLB debut with the Dodgers, pitching effectively while transitioning to the big leagues. Following a trade to the Rays, he anticipates continuing his journey as a reliable pitcher while maintaining roots in his community, emphasizing the values learned from his upbringing in Indiana.
