Former Cat Ryan Nicholson promoted to Double-A Rocket City

Los Angeles Angels first baseman/designated hitter Ryan Nicholson took one step closer to the Major Leagues earlier this week, as he was promoted to Double-A Rocket City on September 10. He is the first Kentucky player selected in the 2024 MLB Draft to make it to the Double-A level.

Nicholson thrived in his time with Single-A Inland Empire, slashing .292/.403/.502 with 12 doubles and four home runs (one grand slam) in 30 games. He was named California League Single-A Player of the Week on September 3 after going 8-24 (.333) at the plate with three home runs and seven RBI (August 27-September 2).

Congratulations to our player of the week Ryan Nicholson 🌟 pic.twitter.com/fxJMnenEAZ

— Inland Empire 66ers (@66ersBaseball) September 3, 2024

The Louisville native made his Double-A debut with the Rocket City Trash Pandas on September 10, going 0-4 at the plate with two strikeouts. Nicholson started at DH and batted sixth in the lineup.

Nicholson spent one season at Kentucky after transferring from Cincinnati. He made a large impact in his lone season however, slashing .306/.405/.689 with 10 doubles, 23 home runs, and 63 RBI. His 23 home runs in a single season tied for the most ever by a Kentucky player (AJ Reed, John Wilson, Jeff Abbott).

He was named the 2024 Lexington Regional Most Outstanding Player and was a pivotal member of Kentucky’s first ever Men’s College World Series team. For his efforts, the 24-year-old was selected with the 292nd pick in the 10th round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels.

Now, he’s one step closer to achieving his dream; the MLB.