#707) ROYCE RING

Royce Ring was traded from the Chicago White Sox along with Edwin Almonte and Andrew Salvo to the New York Mets in exchange for Roberto Alomar on July 1, 2003. The left-hander was the key player for the Mets in the deal. Royce has projected as a future closer in the major leagues. "I was shocked when I was traded because I had barely spent a full season in their organization," Ring said. "But then I realized it was good that another team wanted me and that I had an opportunity with the Mets."

That opportunity came on April 27, 2005. Ring was added to the roster after pitcher, Mike Matthews was designated for assignment. "Royce has been throwing the ball very well at Triple-A," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. "He's continued to get lefties out, and we just felt the young guy should get a chance." He would make his Mets' debut on April 29th facing the Washington Nationals at RFK Stadium. Ring appeared in 15 games, with a 5.06 ERA before returning to the Norfolk Tides to finish the season.

Royce pitched most of the 2006 season again in Triple-A. He enjoyed much success there and was named to the International League All-Star team. Ring established a Norfolk Tides record with a 26-2/3-scoreless-innings streak from April 19th through July 8th. So it was not surprising that when Mike Pelfrey was optioned to Norfolk, it was Ring who was recalled on August 2nd. He pitched well in New York, but was the victim of a needed roster move that added newly acquired outfielder, Shawn Green three weeks later. Royce was sent back to the Tides temporarily, but brought back to the Mets on September 1st. He appeared in a total of 11 games in 2006 compiling a fine 2.13 ERA with eight strikeouts in 12-2/3 innings.

The Mets traded Ring along with Heath Bell to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Ben Johnson and Jon Adkins on November 15, 2006.

Royce Ring signed his card in the set for me after the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees and Indianapolis Indians game at Victory Field on May 21, 2010.