From Bat Boy to the Bats Lineup: Ryan Vilade's Journey to Louisville

Long before hearing his name called at the MLB Draft, Ryan Vilade had already reached the pros.

At just nine years old, Vilade was making his mark as a bat boy for the Frisco RoughRiders, the Texas Rangers’ Double-A affiliate. Though he wasn’t gaining playing experience, his time as a batboy quietly shaped the professional career ahead of him.

The opportunity gave Vilade a rare window into life at the professional level, a window that eventually became his own view. With several years as a pro player now under his belt, he’s come a long way from his days with the RoughRiders.

Seventeen years later, Vilade’s journey brought him to Louisville, and once again he took the field as a bat boy. Or rather, as a Bats boy.

Well before that, Vilade seemed bound for a future in athletics. With his mom playing volleyball and his dad playing baseball at Baylor, Vilade’s athletic roots run deep. Vilade followed in his dad’s footsteps, picking up a baseball and beginning his playing journey. Throughout that process, he also began his journey as a bat boy.

At just five years old, Ryan began working as a bat boy, becoming fully immersed in the game he loved. Ryan’s dad, James, coached at both the collegiate and professional ranks, which led Ryan to the opportunity.

As Ryan grew older and his passion for baseball deepened, he continued being a bat boy. Surrounded by high-level players alongside his dad, Ryan’s drive to play baseball every day intensified.

“My dad was a coach my whole life, so I bat boyed probably since I was five years old,” Vilade said. “I got to bat boy at the college level, at the professional level. It was a very fun time for me, showing up to the field every day and getting to see the guys work. I got to see some really cool guys play while I was bat boying.”

Getting to see players work is more than just a fun time, it’s also a prime opportunity to gain insights and knowledge. Seeing how professional players develop in pursuit of the show, Vilade absorbed a wealth of lessons. From Vilade’s distinct vantage point, he came to realize that skill, power and athleticism alone are not enough.

Success at the professional level hinges on maturity, mental fortitude and high baseball IQ. While being a bat boy for the RoughRiders, Ryan cultivated those intangible skills by observing the professional players in front of him.

“Just to be able to see how all those guys went about their business each and every day to become a big leaguer really inspired me to become a major league baseball player,” Vilade said. “I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of great people that have helped me get to where I am today.”

By the time the Colorado Rockies selected Vilade in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, he already had a strong grasp of what it takes to make it to the show.

Fast forward a few years, Vilade did just that. Making his MLB debut on September 18, 2021, Vilade achieved every player’s goal. In the years that followed, Vilade faced his share of challenges, but still, he never wavered. The time he spent as a kid, surrounded by players who faced similar struggles and obstacles, helped Vilade navigate his own hardships.

In particular, Vilade often recalls advice Elvis Andrus shared with him. En route to becoming a two-time All-Star, Andrus spent 2008 in Frisco where he shared advice which Vilade leans on when his confidence wanes or he questions himself.

“He would just tell me that you gotta believe that you belong in the big leagues, you got to believe it at any level,” Vilade said. “I think sometimes you get called up to a new level or you’re playing with guys who’ve done it for a long time, you might start second guessing yourself, like ‘Do I belong here?’ but you do. You’re a big leaguer, or you’re in Triple-A, just believing that you’re a really good player and just trusting your skills and not trying to do too much.”

Backed by unconditional self-confidence, Vilade made his way back to the majors in 2024 as a Detroit Tigers and went 2-4 with 3 RBI in his Tigers debut. In doing so, he proved that he belongs on the game’s biggest stage.

Since being drafted eight years ago, Vilade has moved through five organizations, a path that brings both opportunity and challenge. Frequent change disrupts stability and challenges a player’s resilience. Again and again, Vilade has shown that he’s up for the challenge.

“I think the big thing about going to different teams is just being yourself and not putting too much pressure on yourself to show them that you can play,” Vilade said. “I think you just got to go out there and play your game. There’s a reason why they wanted you.”

When Cincinnati claimed Vilade off waivers on June 14, the organization clearly saw how he could contribute and fit in. In that pursuit, Vilade’s path led him to Louisville, giving him an opportunity to prove his potential.

“I’ve always liked Ryan,” Bats manager Pat Kelly said. “He’s just got that little edge, he plays hard. I think it’s what our club needs right now, and he’s fit in very well.”

Vilade didn’t just fit in well. He clicked right away, showcasing his valuable versatility. So far, Vilade has spent time at four different positions in both the infield and outfield. On the offensive side, his impact was immediate.

In his first Bats at bat, Vilade smashed a 399-foot shot over the left field wall. One day later, he went yard again. Clearly, he didn’t need time to settle in which is a credit to the mentorship, advice and steady progression that shaped his development.

Vilade is only 17 games into his tenure with the Bats, but he’s already made a lasting impression. Reaching base safely in all but one game, putting up a .875 OPS and barreling six home runs in just 62 at bats, Vilade is showcasing his high-caliber value.

Providing the Bats with a much-needed boost out of the gates, Cincinnati came calling just six games into his first stint with Louisville. While Vilade returned after only taking the field once with the Reds, his callup still speaks volumes.

It’s a credit to his growth as a player, but it’s also a credit to his days as a bat boy. His time assuming that role led him down a winding road, bringing him back to the bigs with the Reds.

And every day he takes the field for Louisville, Vilade reaffirms his value as a Bats players.