LHP Royce Ring makes a classic arrival in his 1953 Chevy

Published 10:20 am Sunday, February 13, 2011

Those who know me well know I’m a car guy who fancies the classics. That’s why my head swiveled when when a cool, flat-black hot rod pulled into the Mariners’ parking lot this morning. It was pitcher Royce Ring, a left-handed non-roster invitee, in his 1953 Chevy.

Ring, a 30-year-old who has pitched in the Mets, Padres, Braves and Yankees organizations, made five relief appearances last September, with a 15.43 ERA in 2 1/3 innings.

His appearance in Peoria this morning was way more cool, at least to me. He’d driven over from his home in the San Diego area and seemed thrilled the old car made it all the way without incident.

“I’m glad we made it over here without any problems,” he said. “I drove over at night to make sure it wouldn’t overheat.”