Ryan Hanigan, a catcher known for his defensive skills and game-calling acumen, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball. Born on August 16, 1980, in Washington, D.C., Hanigan attended Andover High School in Massachusetts before playing college baseball at Rollins College in Florida. Despite not being drafted, he signed with the Cincinnati Reds as an undrafted free agent in 2002, beginning his journey in professional baseball.
Hanigan made his MLB debut with the Reds on September 9, 2007. Over the next several seasons, he established himself as a reliable presence behind the plate. Known for his strong defensive abilities, Hanigan excelled in handling pitchers and managing the game from a catcher’s perspective. His ability to work with pitchers and call games was highly regarded, earning him respect from teammates and coaches alike.
During his tenure with the Reds, Hanigan shared catching duties with other players but consistently proved his worth. His best offensive season came in 2010 when he posted a .300 batting average over 70 games. While not known for his power, Hanigan's ability to get on base and his disciplined approach at the plate were valuable assets to the Reds' lineup.
In December 2013, Hanigan was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a three-team deal. His time with the Rays was short-lived, as he was traded to the San Diego Padres in December 2014 and then immediately dealt to the Boston Red Sox. With the Red Sox, Hanigan continued to demonstrate his defensive prowess and veteran leadership. Injuries, however, limited his playing time during the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
Hanigan signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in January 2017 but was released before the season began. He then joined the Colorado Rockies, where he played his final MLB season. Throughout his career, Hanigan was known for his ability to work with young pitchers, providing guidance and stability behind the plate.
Off the field, Hanigan was recognized for his professionalism and work ethic.
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