By: Mike DiBucci
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – Another name was added to the growing list of players signed to professional contracts out of the 2016 California Winter League.
Ryan Strombom out of San Mateo, CA will get the opportunity to play with the Windy City Thunderbolts after impressing scouts in less than a week of action. Though the Thunderbolts are not affiliated with Major League Baseball, they are a part of the Frontier League, the longest running independent professional baseball league. Strombom will take him talents to the Chicago suburb based out of Crestwood, Illinois and is excited to use this opportunity as a stepping-stone to continue to strive for greatness.
When asked what the signing meant to him moving forward throughout the rest of the CWL season, Strombom said, “It was really amazing to sign right away. It took a lot of pressure off. Now I can really focus on practicing and getting better. I’m looking forward to that opportunity.”
The 6’1”, 215-pounded right-handed pitcher likes using his fastball in the attempt to get in front of batters early in the pitch count.
When asked what he needed to work on in order to continue to improve, Strombom said, “I base everything off of my fastball, and what I really want to improve on is the consistency of my change-up. It keeps hitters off balance and makes my fastball more effective.”
In his second appearance of the season for the Palm Springs Chill, Strombom picked up his first win while striking out eight batters, giving up zero walks, and only allowing one hit. His performance helped his team improve to a record of 2-1-1 with their 2-0 victory over the Oregon Lumberjacks.
Strombom will complete his season at the CWL and head for Illinois to join the Thunderbolts in the offseason.
