Ever since he first walked onto a baseball field, Ryan Piech has always been cool and collected.One of the best pitchers this season for the Xavier Musketeers, Piech has been around baseball for much of his life. Starting his career in the outfield in the Cleveland suburbs, Piech quickly put down the bat.“I couldn’t see, I didn’t know that, ended up having to get contacts. So, I couldn’t see the baseball. So that was kind of a big problem hitting,” Piech said.It worked out for the best, because Ryan has become a stellar pitcher and led Xavier’s pitching staff after the Musketeers were the only team to offer him out of high school.“I’ve been a Musketeer for a while. It’s kind of special to see it come full circle,” Piech said. Just like that pesky sight problem, Piech’s career has been defined by injuries – most notably Tommy John Surgery his freshman year and labrum surgery to shave part of his femur during his junior year.Through it all, Piech’s true character came out. He focused on being a good teammate and learned things about himself. When he got back on the field, he was lights out.A two-time All-Big East selection, Ryan led the Muskies with a 3.41 ERA last season.Piech is one of the top pitching prospects in this year’s Major League Baseball Draft. The kid who once needed glasses can now see his future clearly.“I have done everything that I can to set myself up,” he said. “Just excited to keep getting better and see where that takes me.”

CINCINNATI —

Ever since he first walked onto a baseball field, Ryan Piech has always been cool and collected.

One of the best pitchers this season for the Xavier Musketeers, Piech has been around baseball for much of his life.

Starting his career in the outfield in the Cleveland suburbs, Piech quickly put down the bat.

“I couldn’t see, I didn’t know that, ended up having to get contacts. So, I couldn’t see the baseball. So that was kind of a big problem hitting,” Piech said.

It worked out for the best, because Ryan has become a stellar pitcher and led Xavier’s pitching staff after the Musketeers were the only team to offer him out of high school.

“I’ve been a Musketeer for a while. It’s kind of special to see it come full circle,” Piech said.

Just like that pesky sight problem, Piech’s career has been defined by injuries – most notably Tommy John Surgery his freshman year and labrum surgery to shave part of his femur during his junior year.

Through it all, Piech’s true character came out. He focused on being a good teammate and learned things about himself. When he got back on the field, he was lights out.

A two-time All-Big East selection, Ryan led the Muskies with a 3.41 ERA last season.

Piech is one of the top pitching prospects in this year’s Major League Baseball Draft. The kid who once needed glasses can now see his future clearly.

“I have done everything that I can to set myself up,” he said. “Just excited to keep getting better and see where that takes me.”