JockBio: Ryan Braun Facts

Ryan pitched for Granada Hills High as a freshman and sophomore.
Ryan only played in 199 minor league games before being promoted to the majors.
Ryan’s rookie slugging percentage of .634 was the highest of any first-year player in major league history.
In 2007, Ryan became only the second player in Brewers history to receive Rookie of the Year honors. Pat Listach won the award in 1992.
In 2009, Ryan became only the fourth Brewer to reach the 200-hit plateau for one season. The first three were Cecil Cooper, Paul Molitor and Robin Yount.
In 2009, Ryan was named to The Sporting News list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball. He was ranked 32nd.
Ryan is nicknamed “The Hebrew Hammer.” He is the highest-drafted Jewish player in the history of the majors.
Braun is also the family name of Sandy Koufax—his mother took the name Koufax when she remarried. However, Ryan and Koufax are not related.
Ryan’s brother, Steve, played baseball for the University of Maryland.
Ryan got into the restaurant business after the 2009 season, opening Ryan Braun Tavern and Grill in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Ryan did an internet commercial with super-model Marissa Miller for Remington’s new men’s hair-care products.

Pat Listach, 1992 BBCM

Sandy Koufax book