After a great spring training, Brentwood High alumnus Robbie Ray was named the fifth starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks in his second season with the team.
Ray signed with Arkansas out of high school, but was drafted in the 12th round by the Washington Nationals in 2010. After coming up through the Nationals’ minor league system, he was a key component in a trade with the Detroit Tigers for Doug Fister in 2013. After making his major league debut with the Tigers in 2014, Ray was part of a three-way trade that sent him to Arizona. In his first season with the Diamondbacks, Ray went 5-12 with a 3.52 ERA in 23 games started with 119 strikeouts. With Arizona adding Zack Greinke, Daniel Hudson, and Shelby Miller, Ray fought hard and was able to keep his rotation spot this season.
We were able to talk with Ray before he began this season to talk about the growth of baseball in Williamson County, the potential of Nashville joining the majors, and this season.
What’s your best memory of playing baseball in Williamson County?
It would probably be the friends I made and the fun I had playing baseball. My friends and I played together through middle school and high school.
What has the transition from Brentwood to Detroit to Arizona been like?
It has been a huge difference, but the biggest has been the climate. In Nashville, summers are hot and humid. Detroit was not as warm as what I grew up playing in. Then Arizona, during the summer its 105-110 degrees every
day.
With more players coming out of Williamson County than ever before, what do you think has been the change to cause that?
I would say that baseball in Williamson County has taken off because they have received more attention within the county.
You were committed to Arkansas before signing with the Nationals. With new NCAA rules allowing high school players to speak to agents without losing their eligibility, do you think that would have affected your decision?
I don’t think so. I wanted to play baseball, so I thought it was right for me and my family. The rule change probably won’t stop many kids if they want to go play baseball.
With Nashville’s name coming up in most Major League Baseball talks, do you think Music City will ever get an MLB team?
It’s hard to tell since they already have a Triple A team. If they did come though, I’m sure they’d be welcomed. With the Titans and the Preds in town, it’s clear the city loves sports. But with the Triple A team there, I’m not sure.
Finally, what are your predictions for you and the Diamondbacks this season?
I think we’re going to have a great year. There are a bunch of new additions to the team and there is a lot of excitement. For me and the team, it really should be a great season.
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