Stanislaus State will once again be represented on baseball’s biggest midsummer stage this summer as former Warrior Joe Ryan has been named to the American League roster for the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
It marks the second straight season in which the Warrior Hall of Famer and current Minnesota Twins ace has been recognized as one of the best players in all of baseball.
Through 19 starts this season, Ryan has posted a 6-5 record with a 3.36 ERA and 113 strikeouts. The San Anselmo native has struck out 122 batters while walking just 23 over 104.1 innings, holding opponents to a .219 batting average and compiling a 1.04 WHIP.
Ryan was dominant in his last start against the New York Yankees on July 5, the same day he learned of his All-Star nod. He earned the win after allowing just three hits over seven scoreless innings while striking out nine.
In his All-Star Game debut last season, Ryan pitched a perfect fourth inning for the American League, retiring all three batters he faced and striking out Manny Machado and Kyle Tucker.
Ryan was inducted into the Stan State Athletics Department Hall of Fame on Jan. 24 after putting together one of the most decorated seasons in Warrior baseball history in 2018. His eight victories that season are tied for second in Stan State single-season history, while his 14 starts are tied for fifth all-time. He posted a 1.65 ERA and racked up an NCAA-leading 127 strikeouts.
“You could tell Joe was special from the moment he stepped on campus,” said Stan State Baseball Head Coach Kenny Leonesio. “The work ethic, the accountability, the way he competed every single day, it raised the bar for everyone around him.”
Following his standout season, Ryan was named CCAA Pitcher of the Year, earned First Team All-America honors from CoSIDA, ABCA and NCBWA, was recognized as the NCAA Division II West Region Pitcher of the Year and was selected to the All-CCAA First Team. He was then selected in the seventh round (210th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays.
“Joe was impactful not just for the baseball program but for the University from the moment he stepped onto campus,” said Stan State Director of Athletics Aaron Allaire. “He was a driven student-athlete that stayed true to himself and helped to impact others positively. Our core values of Excellence, Inclusion, Teamwork, Character and Pride were modeled by him during his time here. His continued success after a historic career here speaks to what happens when you invest in great people and give them the support they need. They thrive, and they're ready for whatever opportunities come next."
Ryan made his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins on Sept. 1, 2021, and has since established himself as one of MLB’s premier starters. A 2022 MLB All-Rookie First Team selection, he owns a 52-41 career record with a 3.73 ERA, 841 strikeouts and a 1.06 WHIP in 745.2 innings pitched over 133 career starts through July 5.
“What you’re seeing now at the MLB level isn’t a surprise to us,” Leonesio said. “He is always working to become a better version of himself. We are proud of what he’s accomplished on and off the field.”
