MEET RYAN
Ryan Rowland-Smith is a former Major League pitcher turned broadcaster, currently serving as an analyst on MLB Network, a color commentator for the Seattle Mariners, and the host of the Mariners’ weekly show, The Top Step.
Born and raised in Newcastle, Australia, Ryan built a 17-year professional baseball career, highlighted by his MLB debut with the Mariners in 2007, where he struck out Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. as the first batter he faced.
Along with four seasons in Seattle, he pitched for the Astros, Cubs, Red Sox, and Diamondbacks during his big league career.
On the international stage, Ryan represented Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, earning a silver medal, and has been part of three World Baseball Classic teams between 2013 and 2023—twice as a player and once as a broadcaster.
​​​Ryan was also the first Major League Pitcher to compete in American Ninja Warrior in Seattle, 2019
"One of the most intimidating and nerve racking experiences I've ever had. These challenges are ones I never want to shy away from."
Ryan also owns and operates NxtGen Baseball.
NxtGen Baseball is a performance company for the Next Generation of Australian Major Leaguers providing opportunities to play College baseball as well as representing them to play professionally.
NxtGen baseball has been responsible for creating the platform for Aussie Athletes and creating the opportunity to beccome D1 College Athletes including the first overall pick of the 2024 MLB Draft Travis Bazzana.
In 2021 they are launching these same avenues for kids in the USA.
"Our mission is to change the identity of baseball in Australia and the way young athletes prepare and develop to not only reach their capacity but have opportunities we never had"
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From signing as a long shot out of Australia and working his way to the Major Leagues to being the first and only Australian full time analyst on the MLB network, Ryan brings a unique perspective to the game and journey like no other and can connect with current and former players on a level that allows his guest to tell their story in such a unique player to player way, like they're on the top step of the dugout As a player and analyst, he has always been involved in the community, hosting the Mariners Care Cystic Fibrosis Foundation golf tournament and was nominated for the Roberto Clemente award in 2010.
