There have been a lot of articles over the last few years about the so-called “pipeline” from Haverford College to the executive suites of Major League Baseball. But right now, there’s actually a hot rookie pitching for the Yankees, who graduated from the little liberal arts college that straddles Haverford and Lower Merion Townships.
Gamelog for Stephen Ridings
So far, Stephen Ridings has made three pitching appearances for a total of 3.1 innings pitched. He has yet to give up his first earned run, and he has struck out six batters.
Andres Chavez, writing in Pinstripealley.com had this to say about Ridings August 2 debut –
On Tuesday, the world got to see a glimpse of the Yankees minor leaguer Stephen Ridings when he relieved Luis Gil in the Bombers’ victory. Given his unsung background, he certainly isn’t a household name, but his performance that day raised hundreds of eyebrows. Where did this guy come from?
The 25-year-old righty started his night with three straight balls, but after that, threw nothing but strikes. He ended up fanning three hitters and worked around a Maikel Franco double. Ridings flashed some impressive stuff, highlighted by a triple-digits fastball with arm-side run and a slider with sudden, late break.
Bill Lindsay’s Cup Of Coffee In The Majors
Season Stats for Bill Lindsay
If Ridings can stick around with the Yankees until Labor Day, he will have exceeded Bill Lindsay’s tenure as a Major Leaguer.
Lindsay, a Class of 1906 Graduate, is the only other Haverford College Alumnus who has played Major League Baseball.
When he was a student at Haverford, cricket was the dominant spring sport. Baseball was only a club sport and didn’t achieve varsity status until after World War I.
Lindsay played his first game in the Majors with the Cleveland Naps on June 21, 1911 and his last game on July 23, 1911.
Before the American League baseball team now known as the Cleveland Guardians were called the Indians, from 1903 to 1915 they were identified as the Cleveland Naps, which was short for Napoleons (their star player was Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie).