The Portsmouth Town Council will congratulate and celebrate the accomplishments of Ryan Westmoreland, a former Portsmouth Little League player and a top draft pick for the Boston Red Sox in 2008.
In 2010, his career was interrupted by medical issues and after an inspiring comeback attempt in 2011, he ended up retiring from baseball in 2013.
The Town Council on Tuesday will issue a proclamation of congratulations declaring June 25, 2014 "Ryan Westmoreland Day" to offer the community's respect and admiration.
Westmoreland was a member of the 2002 Portsmouth Little League championship team and played on the 2006 Portsmouth High School championship baseball team.
In 2007, he was Gatorade's Rhode Island High School Baseball Player of the Year and was drafted in the fifth round by the Boston Red Sox in 2008.
In 2009, he played for the Lowell Spinners, a class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and was the New York-Penn League All Star and Player of the Year and was named the Red Sox's top prospect by Baseball America.
Westmoreland's number, no. 25, is being retired by the Spinners. It marks the first time a player has had his number retired by that organization — a reflection of what Westmoreland brought to the team and the Red Sox community during his too-short time on the field.
And in Portsmouth, Westmoreland will always be considered a true local hero, not just on Ryan Westmoreland Day.
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