Westfield grad Ryan Pepiot makes the MLB postseason roster
WESTFIELD, Ind. — Ryan Pepiot made his MLB debut on May 11th, 2022, surrounded by family, friends, and former coaches. Ryan graduated from Westfield High School in 2016 and was the Shamrock’s ACE and starting quarterback his senior year. His journey to Major League Baseball started many years earlier, when at 12 years old he went to Cooperstown with his Indiana Mustangs baseball team. Ryan now has a chance to pitch in the postseason, alongside another former Mustang, Lance Lynn, as the LA Dodgers look to capture the franchise’s eighth championship.
At age 12, Ryan was playing on an Indiana Mustangs travel team full of what would be future college baseball players, and his parents were approached by MLB scout Kevin Christman. He projected Ryan as a potential major league pitcher. “Ryan displayed easy arm action, strength, durability, and repeatability of his delivery,” said Christman. At the time, Ryan was a multi-sport athlete and played several positions for his travel baseball team. Even as early as 9 years old, Mr. Christman and the staff at Roundtripper recognized that pitching could take Ryan far in the game of baseball.
It still didn’t seem real when Ryan Pepiot’s name was called by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft. He was a junior playing baseball at Butler University alongside former Indiana Mustangs Garrett Christman (drafted 2014 & 2018 by the SF Giants), Conner Mitchell (drafted 2018 by the LA Dodgers), Harrison Freed (drafted 2019 by the SF Giants), Conner Christman (Collegiate Coach NC Central), and Dunken Hewitt (2023 free agent sign with the Minnesota Twins). His mother, Christine Pepiot, remembers thinking it all seemed unreal. “Watching your son fulfill a lifelong dream that is a one in a million chance doesn’t really sink in until you watch the video playback,” said Christine.
Christine and Mike Pepiot were always supportive of both of their sons’ athletics, believed in letting them try different sports, and encouraged the power of following their passions. Ryan’s younger brother Kyle followed in his footsteps and played baseball for the Indiana Mustangs, Westfield Rocks, and the Butler Bulldogs. Their connection to family was always important to both boys, and playing at Butler University gave them the ability to stay connected. Christine’s sister, Lisa Jones, who was born with spina bifida was a huge part of both boys’ fan base. Aunt Lisa attended every game possible; she even made the trip to Cooperstown with Ryan.
Unfortunately, she passed away suddenly before Ryan had reached his dream of playing in the big leagues.
Christine is now volunteering as an Angel for the Miracle League of Westfield at Roundtripper. Her sister would have loved to play baseball like Ryan and Kyle did. Christine spoke of her sister Lisa, “I’m sure she would be right there with me helping the athletes in our Miracle League.” The family believes that Aunt Lisa will be right there as Ryan’s Angel in the outfield cheering on the Dodgers’ postseason run.
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