Hall of Fame
Jon Ratliff ’94 – Class of 2006
“Number One”
Successful teams need an anchor; a pitcher who takes the mound against the opponents’ best hurler. They need a Number One starter.
For three years this young man from Liverpool was Le Moyne’s Number One. His coach remembers that “everyone on the field knew we had a better-than-reasonable chance to win when he pitched.” An excellent chance, in fact. He won 75 percent of his decisions in green and gold.
Collegiate baseball took note of the 6-foot 5-inch right hander with 90 mph stuff. He was named an All-American in 1993, all-state in his final two seasons and all-MACC in each of his three seasons. His career statistics altered a Le Moyne leaderboard already studded with stellar starters. His accomplishments included a record 22 Division One victories and second-best marks in career ERA (2.18) and complete games (17). In his final year he went 10-1 with 64 strikeouts and a 2.04 ERA as Le Moyne posted a spectacular 34-6 record.
Though that 1993 team was destined for disappointment, the MAAC Tournament showcased his competitive nature. After bringing the Dolphins back from the loser’s bracket with a stellar outing, he pleaded for the ball again as a Le Moyne lead began to melt during the second game. Coach Rockwell refused to risk his arm and kept him on the bench as the Dolphins were tied and then lost the championship in extra innings.
Spurning a professional opportunity out of high school, his decision to attend Le Moyne led to a more polished repertoire and paid off in a first round selection by the Chicago Cubs after his junior year. Though his velocity was slowed by elbow problems, he compiled a solid record in AAA ball, including a stellar 12-1 record and team-leading 143 strikeouts for the 1998 Richmond Braves. He made his Major League debut in 2000 with a scoreless inning for the Oakland Athletics.
He returned to Le Moyne to complete his degree in English and today he brings the same mix of competitiveness and laid back good humor to his work at Pfizer Corporation.
The Number One starter on fine Dolphin baseball teams, and a pitcher who always wanted the ball in critical games,
Jon Ratliff ’94 belongs in the
Le Moyne College Athletic Hall of Fame
October 10, 2006.
