Former Red Sox Prospect Ryan Westoreland Returning to School Following Brain Surgeries

Former Boston Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland was one of the top outfielder prospects in baseball as a 19-year-old kid out of Rhode Island, but when it was discovered that he needed surgery because of a cavernous malformation in his brainstem, his career came to a screeching halt. Westmoreland underwent another brain surgery in 2012 and retired from the game and he has another surgery still to come.

While Westmoreland had to walk away from the game of baseball, he is not giving up on one of his dreams. Westmoreland spoke with the Newport Daily News to discuss his future and plans to return to school.

“I’ve been working out a lot, and if the time comes, I’m going to give it a shot. Because retired or not, my dream has always been to play in the big leagues, and if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen,” he said. “But if I ever feel like there’s a shot for me, I’m going to give it a shot. Whether it’s just playing catch or taking batting practice or whatever it is. I love the game still and that will never change.”

The love of the game is directing him towards physical therapy, which could allow him to still be involved in athletics despite the unfortunate turn his playing career took.

“I’ve been looking into physical therapy school. It’s a six-year program, but I feel like I have a good understanding of the body and injuries — of course, injuries,” he said. “But it’s something I’ve always been interested in and I can branch off and do whatever — strength and conditioning, nutrition; that’s all kind of right up my alley.

It is great to see Westmoreland able to go after what he loves, even if life handed him an unexpected roadblock.

Thanks to his initial contract with the Red Sox, Westmoreland’s school will not be a major financial burden and he will be able to complete the courses necessary before setting out on his next career path. With his resilience, he is set up for success.