http://www.oklahomaredhawks.com/news/?id=327

Article from the Official Oklahoma RedHawks Site

Thursday Jun 26, 2003
Oklahoma RedHawks outfielder Ryan Ludwick was one of 28 players selected to the Pacific Coast League’s Triple-A All-Star team. Ludwick was the only RedHawk selected on team that was picked by club field personnel, media representatives and league administrators.

The Triple-A All Star Game will again feature players from the PCL against all-stars from the International League. The game will be Wednesday, July 15 at AutoZone Park in Memphis, Tenn.

Ludwick, 24, has been the RedHawks most consistent hitter all season, leading the team in all three major offensive categories – hitting (.306), home runs (16) and RBI’s (60). He has played in 75 of 80 games this season and has become a regular in right field after starting the season as a designated hitter.

Ludwick’s first-ever selection to the all-star team comes less than a year after he had surgery to repair a hip fracture that occurred while playing for the RedHawks in August of 2002. He had a screw inserted into the hip in a procedure known as internal fixation. A vigorous off-season of rehabilitation was spent at the Rangers spring training facility in Surprise, Arizona so that he could be ready to play this year.

“It certainly is a tip of the hat to Ryan for all the hard work he’s done,” Bobby Jones, RedHawks manager said. “It’s a good reward. He is certainly deserving of the opportunity.”

Ludwick and the RedHawks will return to Oklahoma City to begin a four-game home stand on Monday, June 30. The RedHawks will host the Memphis Redbirds. All games will be at 7:05 p.m.

And that's just fine with him.

"I've been blessed," Ludwick said. "I'm back to where I want to be. Look at the smile on my face. You know I'm happy to be back in the big leagues."

Ludwick, 24, was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma early Tuesday morning and in the starting lineup Wednesday against the Angels. He takes the roster spot of Carl Everett, who was traded to the White Sox on Tuesday.

Originally acquired by Texas in a six-player trade with Oakland in January, 2002, Ludwick made his Major League debut with the Rangers last June. He hit .235 with one home run and nine RBIs in 23 games during that span before returning to Triple-A.

But the road back to the big leagues has been a long one.

Last July, the outfielder said started to feel a harsh sensation in his left leg. He went on to play three games in Portland and one against Tacoma before finally succumbing to the pain and taking two days off.

He returned to play two games for Oklahoma City, but the pain had become so unbearable and he could barely walk after games. He had surgery on Aug. 23 for a severe fracture in left hip and a metal rod was placed there. He began having problems with his left knee shortly after the surgery because he was overcompensating on the left side.

He literally hobbled down the aisle in crutches during his October wedding.

Because of the injuries, he spent the entire off season and most of Spring Training continuing to rehab the injury. He was originally told he might have a tumor and amputation was an option. The outfielder also feared he would never walk again -- much less play in a baseball game.

"This experience has made me a lot stronger mentally," he said. "I went from playing in the big leagues to the minors to not knowing if I would ever play again. At first, I didn't even know if I would walk again. You have to be mentally focused to get through something like that and it's helped me out in a lot of ways."

It has showed.

Ludwick arrived in Anaheim with impressive numbers while with the RedHawks. He is hitting .303 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs in 81 games this season, playing a majority of the time in the outfield with some at-bats at designated hitter. He leads the Pacific Coast League in extra base hits with 44, is tied for first in doubles with 24, and is second in home runs and RBIs. He has appeared in 50 games in right field and 31 at designated hitter. He had been selected to play for the PCL in the Triple-A All-Star game later this month.

He does not plan on being there.

"I've learned to never take things for granted, not that I was doing that before, but I have a better appreciation of this game and what it takes to get here," Ludwick said. "I'm back and I'm blessed. Now I have to stay here."