Ryan Franklin

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRyan Ray•Franklin
Used nameRyan•Franklin
Born5 March 1973 in Fort Smith, Arkansas (USA)
Measurements190 cm / 75 kg
AffiliationsTacoma Rainiers, Tacoma (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Ryan Franklin was a pitcher who helped the United States win a baseball gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Franklin played minor league ball beginning in 1993 and made his major league début in May 1999 with the Seattle Mariners. In 2000 he was back in Triple-A ball, which made him eligible for the US Olympic Team.

Franklin played in the major leagues from 2001-11, in addition to his brief appearance in 1999. He was with the Mariners from 2001-05, then played with the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds in 2006, and finished his career with five season (2007-11) with the St. Louis Cardinals. Franklin had a career record of 62 wins and 76 losses, with a 4.14 ERA. He played in the 2009 All-Star Game.

After his playing career ended, Franklin worked in the Cardinals front office. While playing he tested positive in 2005 for steroid use and was suspended for 10 days. In December 2007 he was named in the Mitchell Report that investigated performance enhancing drug use in Major League Baseball.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
2000 Summer Olympics Baseball (Baseball/Softball) USA Ryan Franklin
Baseball, Men (Olympic) United States 1 Gold