This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Los Angeles Angels released Ryan Ketchner, who was attempting to become the first deaf pitcher since 1908 to play in the major leagues. The 29-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Salt Lake Bees had struggled during his last 10 games, compiling an 11.45 earned-run average.
Ketchner, who signed with Los Angeles as a free agent for 2011, finished his seventh Triple-A season with a 6-6 record and 6.12 ERA. He had allowed 142 hits in just more than 107 innings with 46 walks and 50 strikeouts.
The Angels replaced Ketchner on the Bees' roster by demoting left-handed reliever Horacio Ramirez. Ketchner, who wore two hearing aids and was 90 percent deaf, was in the Salt Lake starting rotation until July.
Ketchner was originally drafted by Seattle in the 10th round of the 2000 amateur draft.