Baseball's Ben White and Ryan Thomas Begin Professional Careers on the Mound

Ryan Thomas (left) and Ben White

Baseball's Ben White and Ryan Thomas Begin Professional Careers on the Mound

6.14.11 | Baseball

PHILADELPHIA - Two recent graduates from Temple baseball have embarked on professional careers as of this past weekend. Ben White (May, '11) has been picked up as a free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays, while Ryan Thomas (January, '11) signed a contract with the Washington Wild Things of the Independent League.

Thomas, a right-handed pitcher, suited up for his first game on June 12 before embarking on a three-game road trip to Joliet, Ill. He will return to Washington, Pa., for a home series on Thursday, June 16. Thomas appeared in 22 games as a senior at Temple in 2010 with an ERA of 4.21 to lead the team. He compiled a team-best four wins as a junior in 2009, in 13 appearances on the mound.

White, also a right-handed pitcher, was a Philadelphia All-Big 5 All-Star as a junior, leading the team with four wins and totaling 94 strikeouts. As a senior he started 14 games on the mound and once again led the Owls with five wins and 89 strikeouts.