| 27 January 2012
As the college season is about to get underway, today I bring you some tough news about a former great college pitcher from SJSU, Ryan Shopshire. I got a call today from SJSU asst coach Jeff Pritchard, who I consider a friend, outside of our involvement in baseball. He is aware of this blog and as he and his team/staff have been considering ways to get this message out, he thought of me as a way to help. I am happy to be able to pass along the following information because it can only help a young man and his family in a very tough spot. No doubt Ryan is humble and competitive and he likely would feel a little embarrassed that others are going to bat for him like this. That being said, Pritch went to bat for him by contacting me and now I will do what I can to get the information out to anyone who reads this (make sure you read the release from the hospital)... feel free to do the same.
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Blaine,
Here is the email that was sent to me by Ryan and his girlfriend...I really appreciate your help. Ryan was the 2009 WAC Pitcher of the Year, All WAC, etc. He is an outstanding teammate and always thought of his teammates first before himself, in every situation. He is an unbelievable representative of not only Spartan baseball, but college baseball in general.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: danielle miller
Date: Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 7:46 PM
Subject: Ryan Shopshire
To: Jeffrey Pritchard
Hey Pritch,
Below is a write up of what happened in the accident. When the accident occurred, Ryan's church created a non-profit for any donations. This rocks because people are able to give a tax-deductible donation with a receipt mailed to them at the end of the year. The money he has received thus far has gone solely towards therapy.....but my hope is to raise more money so he can continue to go to rehab. I truly appreciate all your help in organizing something for Ryan.
With Baseball (according to doctors it is out of the question at the competitive level he played) Ryan is looking to go back to school to further his education. Baseball has always provided Ryan with an outlet, ability to go to school with a full tuition, and fulfill a childhood dream. With the blow to his right arm...furthering his education in a master's program seems to be the next goal in Ryan's new path without ball.
Again I thank you so much for all your support and help. Call me anytime. I would love to help in anyway possible!--- Attached is a pitch from the hospital.
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On Saturday, October 29, 2011, Ryan was riding a bicycle, accompanying his fiancé Danielle on her daily jog, when he was struck and then run over by a car exiting a driveway. He suffered a tragic break to his upper right arm and shoulder; a broken sternum, scapula, clavicle, pelvis, numerous broken ribs, and severe burns to both legs. In spite of these tremendous injuries, Ryan is determined to recover. Fighting the fight of his life, he was released from the hospital and is now rehabilitating at the home of his parents in Anaheim Hills, Calif.
Prior to the accident, Ryan was in the process of making a change in profession, transitioning from life as a professional baseball player with the Toronto Blue Jays organization to a new career. There was even the possibility of continuing his affiliation with the sport he loves. Clearly, his endeavors have come to a halt because of the accident. Funds are very tight right now for this young man. Your donation will help with his astronomical medical bills, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
We hope that you will consider this opportunity to help a young man who is in desperate need of your support. Ryan’s faith in God has allowed him to stay positive and determined to make a complete recovery. He is willing to do all that he can to heal, recover, and live the life that God has intended for him.
Tax-Deductible Donation can be made to:
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
(Ryan Shopshire)
1250 Heim Ave.
Orange, CA 92865
*NOTE: Please make checks payable to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Be sure to write “Ryan Shopshire Fund” in the memo line at the bottom of the check.
