Ryan Vilade Adjusting To Pro Ball

Watching Ryan Vilade with his teammates and how he plays on the field, he looks so at ease and relaxed that it’s easy to forget that he’s only 18 years old. But for someone who has grown up in the game of baseball, it’s exactly what he’s been preparing for his whole life.
Vilade started playing baseball when he was four years old and fell into it naturally. It was also something he was able to share with his dad James who was a professional coach in the Texas Rangers organization and is currently the Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at Oklahoma State University.
“He’s taught me everything I know and has been my number one person that I go to,” Vilade said. “Him being a coach helped with my development but I always liked baseball because it’s something we always did together and it led me where I am today.”
When his dad worked for the Frisco RoughRiders, the Rangers’ Double-A affiliate, Vilade would come to the park and was exposed to the minor league lifestyle at a young age.
“I saw how the guys worked and I learned from them that you do something every day to get better,” Vilade said. “You also have to eat right. It’s all about maintaining a healthy body but also have fun. I knew it was what I wanted to do.”
As he continued to develop and started playing in more tournaments, Vilade caught the eye of people from Perfect Game and Team USA.
“I went to a couple of events when I was younger and as I got older, I was invited to some special workouts and events and was picked to play for Team USA,” Vilade said. “I played for Team USA as both a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old. The opportunities they gave me helpedme succeed to the best of my abilities.”
As a 15-year-old, Vilade traveled with the team to Mazatlan, Mexico where they played for a silver medal. When he turned 18, the team traveled to Monterrey, Mexico where they won the gold medal. Another opportunity that came along was the Under Armour All-America Game which was played at Wrigley Field where Vilade ended up winning the Home Run Derby.
“I won the home run derby and played with a lot of great guys who were drafted this year and it was a really cool experience,” Vilade said. “They told us that the visiting locker room where we were hasn’t changed since Babe Ruth and all those famous baseball players we know of played when they came here. To go there and live what they lived was pretty cool.”
Vilade’s season at Stillwater High School ended in mid-May but he stayed in shape waiting for the draft.
“On draft day, I was at my friend Jack Parker’s house. I had all my friends, my family, my girlfriend, my grandparents there. All of the people close to me,” Vilade said. “I thought I might have a chance at the first round but thought I would end up going in either the second or the third round. Then the Rockies called and selected me at 48 and I’m truly grateful.”
After his name was selected, the next 48 hours kept him busy before he made it to Grand Junction.
“It’s been a new journey. We came in, got our stuff, and went straight out to practice. It’s pro ball and it’s where I’ve always wanted to be,” Vilade said. “It’s my first job ever. I’ve worked 18 long years to be where I’m at today.”
As of July 18th, Vilade has played in 16 games for Grand Junction and is hitting .333 and slugging .632. While he continues to find success as his baseball career progresses, he said at the end of the day it’s about learning as much as you can, having fun, and continuing to share baseball with his family.
“I’m sucking in as much knowledge as I can from the coaching staff and from the guys around me. They’ve played with the best of the best in college so I try to learn from them,” Vilade said. “My dad is happy for me and that he can cheer on the Rockies now and that he can be part of my career. I’m learning a lot and having fun, and that’s what it’s all about.”

