Dateline: August 21, 2008

Former Bulldog makes big league debut
By Sandy Anderberg

Ryan Rohlinger made the journey from Wisconsin to Texas to play baseball at Clarendon College under then coach Trent Petrie in 2003. 

After spending his freshman year as a Bulldog he moved on to Oklahoma University for his final three years.  But there was something special about Rohlinger and he was able to take the next step into Minor League Ball.  He played Class-A ball in San Jose and Double-A ball in Connecticut for the Giants’ organization. 

While in the minors, Rohlinger was credited with 13 home runs, 65 RBI, and hit .289 in 117 games. 

The 24-year old was called up August 13 to the major leagues and made the move to San Francisco to begin what he has dreamed about his entire life. 

While at CC, Rohlinger was a standout for the Bulldog Club and was named as a First Team All-American at second base.  He continued that level of play at OU and was selected to the All-Big 12 for three years. 

His former Bulldog coach, Trent Petrie was excited to hear of Rohlinger’s move to the major leagues. 

“Most kids decide where they want to play before they become seniors in high school,” Petrie said.  “But Ryan didn’t make the decision to come to Clarendon until a month before he came to play here.  I drove to Milwaukee to look at him and knew I wanted to sign him.  

“It worked out great for CC and also for Ryan.  In his only year here, he hit .450 with 25 home runs and 98 RBI’s.  I am very proud of him and wish him the best of luck.” 

While at CC, Rohlinger and the Bulldogs was the first Clarendon College baseball team to qualify for the Regional Tournament.

Rohlinger has already had five games at third base with the Giants and as of now, is hitting .111, but was as high as .250 at one time.  He has connected on one double and racked up one RBI so far and is their go-to man for third base.

“The more games you play,” Rohlinger said on mlb.com.  “The more comfortable you’re going to get.” 

Giants manager Bruce Bochy was quoted as saying, “It’s early, and he’ll been fine.  I think he’ll settle in. It takes a few games and I think he’ll get more comfortable with playing time.”