AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > March > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USVeteran prospect nears ‘what I’ve been fighting for’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Kissimmee, Fla. — In year one of his career, Ken Ray had the Major League Baseball logo tattooed on his left shoulder. He probably realized at some point during some bus ride from one outpost to another that tattoos don’t come with mojo.
“You know,” said Ray, looking at the tattoo, “it’s one of those things you look back on and think, well …”
Rockford, Wichita, Wilmington. Omaha, Fresno, Yuba-Sutter. High Desert, Huntsville, North Shore.
We could keep going. Fifteen teams. Thirteen leagues.
If Ken Ray really wanted a tattoo, he should’ve picked the Mapquest logo.
The Braves were overrun by home-grown players last year — Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann and Kyle Davies, to name a few. Ray, a pitcher, also the latest. But it’s been a while. He was drafted in the 18th round (497th overall) out of Roswell High School by Kansas City in 1993.
Soon after, he dropped into the abyss, tattoo and all.
Given that Ray has spent an eternity in the minors — save a 13-game reprieve with the Royals in 1999 — it’s no wonder that he has heard “Crash” Davis references from younger teammates along the way. Ray laughed and said, “I tell them to respect their elders.”
The Braves break camp Thursday. When they return to Atlanta and play a pair of exhibitions Friday and Saturday, they’ll bring a 31-year-old obscurity with them. Ray wears No. 81 and is on a minor-league contract. But this isn’t merely a case of, “Let’s show the kid what Turner Field looks like.”
“He’s got a shot to make the team,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said. Ray threw an inning of shutout relief Tuesday against Houston. That gives him five shutout innings in four appearances, yielding just three hits to 18 batters (.167). He struck out four batters in two innings the other day against the New York Mets. He has good speed and a solid change-up. As a former starter, he has the ability to throw a few innings of relief, a quality Cox likes to have in the bullpen.
“I’m getting pretty nervous about it,” said Larry Ray, Ken’s father, a custodian at Haynes Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta. “Ken is determined to make it to the big leagues. Even when he hurt his arm, he didn’t let it get him down.”
“It seems like a long road,” the son said.
We call this: understatement. Ray played only two years at Roswell High — as a freshman and a senior. Ray said during the two years in between, he “got mixed up with the wrong crowd in high school. The next thing you know, you don’t care too much about baseball.” He didn’t elaborate. But didn’t drift so far away that he couldn’t come back.
Seven seasons in the Kansas City organization yielded just the short trip to the majors in 1999. Then his odyssey began. He was the “player to be named later” in a trade with the San Francisco Giants in 2000. But he pitched only seven games in the minors, then had surgery for a torn labrum. The injury didn’t improve. Ray had a second operation with a different doctor the following year. He missed all of 2001 and most of 2002, then signed with an independent team in California (the Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox in the Western League. They’re not on ESPN).
“We would go from Chico to Solano, then Yuma, Ariz.,” he said. Bus rides were as long as 12 hours.
Ray’s vagabond existence continued. The Milwaukee Brewers signed him, then left him. The Chicago White Sox did the same. They brought him to spring training last year, then cut him with five days left. So it was back to the independents. The Braves spotted him playing for North Shore in the Can-Am League last season, liked what they saw and needed a starter in Richmond. They tried him as a reliever in a Mexican winter league, and he impressed them again.
Can this be it? Finally? Ray has a wife and a 6-month old son living in Arizona. There comes a time when you have to get a real job. He considered quitting two years ago and joining some friends at the police academy but figured he would give it one more shot.
“When you’re down in A-ball making $1,350 a month and you have a mortgage and everything, it gets stressful,” he said.
But now comes some reward. “It’s what I’ve been fighting for my whole career, to be able to play in front of a hometown crowd.”
The hometown is Atlanta. That might have gotten lost along the way.
Permalink | Comments (53) | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
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By Bryan
March 28, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this
Hell yeah! Go Ray!
By Del
March 28, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
One if those feel good stories. You cann’t help but root for him. He could be the surprise of the year and provide a major boost to our bullpen. Go Ray, we wish you nothing but the very best !!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 29, 2006 12:03 AM | Link to this
just came back from the tattoo parlor where i got “Ken Ray” on my left shoulder. hope he doesn’t make me look foolish!
By Mark
March 29, 2006 02:26 AM | Link to this
Nice article , I hope he makes an impression , we need another reliable lefty in the bullpen.
By Tim
March 29, 2006 06:35 AM | Link to this
Great story, Jeff. I hope it works out well for Ken. I’ll be watching and looking for his name to make the final roster. I’m also a long way from my hometown of Newnan. I live in Zambia…not for from that famous South African baseball squad!
By Martha
March 29, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this
Jeff, thanks for this wonderful story about Ken. We as his family know how long he has wanted to wear a Braves uniform. He has worked long and hard and we pray he makes the final roster. We love you Ken.
By Mike O'Kelly
March 29, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
I hope the Braves give this guy a shot. It sure would be a good story for another year of trying to get the brass ring.
By Jason T
March 29, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the Great Article Jeff. I went to school with Ken, and have been best friends since. I still see him a couple of times a year . I think right now his family and I are just Wowed by his performance and Bobbys comments on him. I hope Cox give the Man a chance, he’s been threw a ton in his career. One more note Ken is a Superb top of the line guy, his attitude is Awesome, and I couldn’t ask for a better friend. GO KEN!! I Know he can make a Difference in the Pen for the Braves!!
By WooleyBooger
March 29, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
Never heard of this loser!
By Greg from Marietta
March 29, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this
Jeff, Now this is a real Feel Good story. After reading it you can’t help but hope that the kid makes it. All I can say is “Go Ray, we’re all pulling for you!!”
By Bill
March 29, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this
Not a loser wooley as long as he don’t give up…….Bless you Ray
By Mr.G
March 29, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this
With a name like “Wooley Booger” its pretty easy to see who the real loser is!!! GO RAY!!!
By heartbreaker
March 29, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
Wooley Booger….what major or minor league rosters have you been on, that you would know what constitutes a loser or a winner or a guy with guts and fortitude…dont be quick to judge and post names on someone unless you carry the credentials to do so
By Susan
March 29, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
GO KEN!!!
By Suds
March 29, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
This is a terrific story! Just what baseball needs and is all about. This is the kind of PLAYER we all love to follow and root for. In the long summer months, it does us all good to be able to root for the guy who has worked his fanny off to make the team. Can you imagine any other sport where this kind of determination can get you to the big leagues! GO RAY! GO BRAVES!!
By butch hester
March 29, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
ken.. i can not tell you how much you have mente to me and my family..you have given my kids something to dream about…and to show them that with hard work and a great attitude that they to can reach there dreams… just remember im always here if you ever need anything.. love ya steven, chris,zack,susan,and butch
By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist
March 29, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
journalist not know ray, ray have straight toes. ray gun, death ray, gay ray, no know ray. long time in minors.quit by now.bobby cox lie again.make ray go away.
By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist
March 29, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
journalist not know ray, ray have straight toes. ray gun, death ray, gay ray, no know ray. long time in minors.quit by now.bobby cox lie again.make ray go away. soon be xray.
By Iris L - a baseball fan
March 29, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
I’ve never blogged before, but this story actually brought tears to my eyes and I felt the urge to write. I sincerely, deeply hope Ken Ray makes it long-term to the Bigs, especially as a Brave. This is the kind of story we’d all rather hear. Not the “who’s an a*hole”, “who’s taking steriods” — it’s an uplifting story about a team associated with what’s good in the game: Perserverance, dedication, a manager who supports his players (not trashes ‘em) and a fan base who loves the team even though they may not get to the ballpark as often as they’d like or can afford. Thanks for writing this one Jeff.
By Ssgreeno
March 29, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
What are y’all smoking? This guy has the history he has for a reason.
By Jason T
March 29, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
Hey Ssgreeno boy,
he has that history because of shoulder problems not because he can’t pitch, Dusty Baker wanted him to start back in 2000 but he got hurt, what can you do about that. He’s battled and throws about 94 - 98 with a nasty change, and splitter, so Shut your mouth!!
By Steve Mehlman
March 29, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
Beautiful story, Jeff! My prayers are with you, Ken! Go Braves!
Steve Mehlman Sacramento, CA
By Jeff in Alaska
March 29, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
Great story, huge Braves fan from far away even when they were losing 100 games a year. Whether he makes it or not, his attitude and grit deserve recognition. And, let’s face it, being left handed doesn’t hurt either. I’m praying for him.
By Ernesto
March 29, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
Is Ray a lefty? CBS Sportsline has him listed as a righty.
By Tom
March 29, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
Ken Ray is a RIGHTY. Unless he changed after high school. I played ball with and against Ken for almost 10 years. Him and his family have to be some of the nicest people I have ever met. I am really pulling for Ken to earn a spot on the 25 man roster. He deserves it.
By larry gunter
March 29, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
GO KEN !!! YOU GIVE US ALL A REASON TO DREAM AND HOPE, AND MY DAUGHTER AND I WILL PRAY FOR YOU. GO KEN RAY. - A LIFE LONG FRIEND AND FAN….
By Big G
March 29, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
He gets to keep going to the ballpark, getting paid to do it. Beats the heck out of working at Sears.
By Stuck in Kentucky
March 29, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
Yea Sears suck. I worked there once, sold Lady Kenmores.
By Will
March 29, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
Let me take you back to 1989…morning dew glistening off the grass…fresh chalk painting the left and right field lines…I was on the Eagles at the Roswell Rec. and Parks Dept, field #4…we were playing the Vikings, and all of us knew that Ken Ray (household name on the diamond) would be the starting pitcher. Most of us were scared…after all, he threw almost 80mph from 54 feet as a budding 14 year old. He was tall and lanky, yet he possessed a dignified authority on the mound. All I will say is that our team, the mighty Eagles, mustered 2 hits off him the entire game.
And I was one of the lucky ones get one of the 2 :)!
Best of luck, Ken…keep the fastballs on the outside corner!
By BBnut
March 29, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
Come on Ken ! Give us a season like Hammond did a couple years back. Some of us love underdogs. Good story. GO BRAVES !!!
By wick
March 29, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this
good luck to ken, we’re all pulling for you, you have been one of the several who are really good, but get lost in the minor league system and hooray for his wife of 7 years to let him continue to fulfill his dreams, that’s true love. anyone who’s been there knows how hard the minor league life is on a family. hope thier dreams come true. great story.
By Bill McGann
March 29, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this
To all the Wooley Boogers:
By DERRICK
March 29, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
Way to go Ken all the hard work is paying off. You are living a lot off peoples dreams. hope to see you in the big leagues.
By EdoRiver
March 29, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this
tell ken, after he makes the team, that he deserves to sit next Mr. Remlinger. Ken, you’ll be there buddy. Keep the faith.
By WooleyBooger
March 30, 2006 02:09 AM | Link to this
Sounds like this dude should go out and get a real job - bum ain’t done nothing but play a kid’s game for all these years while his wife kept him - and still ain’t made the Bigs…The Rookie he ain’t!!..
By butch
March 30, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
yea guess he should of got a job out of high school like you….so now he would be makeing 8.00 an hour like you….. talk about BUM….i love people like you that dont have a athletic bone in your body and just hate on people that do….well guess you better go…and by the way i want fries with my cheese burger you dum a@@
By larry gunter
March 30, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
were pulling for you ken!
By Jason T
March 30, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
What’s up Gunter?
Jason tyler
By BRAD T
March 30, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
I PLAYED IN THE REDS ORGANIZATION FOR 4 YERAS AND I UNDERSTAND HOW HARD IT IS TO GET TO THE BIGS AND JUST TO HAVE A SHOT LIKE THIS IS INCREDIBLE. FOR PEOPLE TO CRITICIZE HIM FOR FOLOOWING HIS DREAMS SCREW YOU.
By BRAD T
March 30, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
I PLAYED IN THE REDS ORGANIZATION FOR 4 YERAS AND I UNDERSTAND HOW HARD IT IS TO GET TO THE BIGS AND JUST TO HAVE A SHOT LIKE THIS IS INCREDIBLE. FOR PEOPLE TO CRITICIZE HIM FOR FOLOOWING HIS DREAMS SCREW YOU.
By P'Cola Michael
March 30, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Brad T, Typing in ALL CAPS is RUDE!
By WooleyBooger
March 30, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Boys, I make more money in one week than all you mental midgets make in a year combined - and I don’t know much about burgers and fries other than they’re bad for your health, and that low-class bums just like you practically live on the $hit - so know what you’re talking about before you attempt making comments like those above, oh, by the way…SCREW YOU!!..
By P'Cola Michael
March 30, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
whatever dork.
By wick
March 30, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
if that’s true, shows you, money doesn’t give you class.
By butch
March 30, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
yea,yea, yea, im sure you are one of these bandwagon fans…if he comes in and does good you will be asking for a smell of his dirty shorts, you stupid mother f@@@@@… and by the way…..get the hell out of here if you dont like it…..
By WooleyBooger
March 30, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this
First of all, “butch” or “b***”, whichever, I’m not a retarded Braves fan, secondly, until you flip enough burgers to buy the AJC, well, I’m not leaving…”butch”, now there’s a name fraught with class…by the way, class and buck will get you a buck’s worth boys…don’t even think of getting into an intellectual fray with me, you’re nowhere near my league…so, you boys leave, while you still can!!..
By butch
March 30, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
look here wooleyburger are c** head whichever it is…yea and talk about class..lolol wooleyburger..lololl what a name…..are you scared to use your real name?so i will just call you c**…. your in no league unless it is the gay league and if it is.. you are the man…trust me… take your big words and stick them up you big a*…are your boyfriends….
By butch
March 30, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
look here wooleyburger are c** head whichever it is…yea and talk about class..lolol wooleyburger..lololl what a name…..are you scared to use your real name?so i will just call you c**…. your in no league unless it is the gay league and if it is.. you are the man…trust me… take your big words and stick them up your big a*…are your boyfriends….
By butch
March 30, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
all this talk about your money…yea right….i can see it now you are 275 pounds… 5 foot 3….living inside a singlewide trailer…. talking about all that money you have..lolol…it is bad when you have suck a suck life you got to try and make everyone feel your pain well trust me we all feel YOUR pain… talk to you soon RICH man lolol
By VICKIE RAY
March 31, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Ken, all of your family’s rooting for you and praying for you. We all know how much this means to you! You are wonderful and have made us all proud. Love, Aunt Vickie, Uncle Danny, Stefanie and Logan
By Zack Bowring
April 6, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
Hey Ray. You know i think you did ok today even though the braves lost. i hope you stay in bullpen a long time this year.If ray cannot not answer this its ok, but can he tell me about his abilities as a pitcher cause im creating him on Mlb ‘06: The Show.
By Zack Bowring
April 6, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
Hey Ray. You know i think you did ok today even though the braves lost. i hope you stay in bullpen a long time this year.If ray cannot not answer this its ok, but can he tell me about his abilities as a pitcher cause im creating him on Mlb ‘06: The Show.
By Geoff Smith
April 6, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this
Ken…Congratulations!! I used to catch you in little league at the Roswell Rec…or at least I tried to. Number 1, Number 1 then they’d swing at Number 2 and I’d have to go retreive the curve I couldn’t keep up with at the backstop and throw them out at first…You were like a man against boys..I always wondered what happened to you. Good luck!!