“Mark brings a wealth of experience and poise to our program,” Deese said. “He will be a good fit and really help solidify our offense. I believe his experience is something that will translate well to our student-athletes.”
Ryal began his college coaching career as the hitting coach at Oklahoma in 1995, helping the Sooneres to the College World Series. He joins the Auburn staff after spending last season as the head coach at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Okla. Prior to that, he served as head coach of the Inola (Okla.) High School softball program from 2003-2006.
As a player, Ryal broke into the major league in 1982 with the Kansas City Royals. He also played for the Chicago White Sox (1985), California Angels (1986-87), Philadelphia Phillies (1989) and the Pittsburgh
Pirates (1990).
Ryal hit .375 as he helped the Angels to the American League Western Division title in 1986. The following year, Ryal led the American League in pinch-hits. His final year in the major leagues came in 1990 as he helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win the National League Eastern Division title. He also served one season as a scout for the Royals in 2005.
Auburn finished 38-22 overall and 13-14 in the Southeastern Conference last season and played in the NCAA College Station Regional, its fourth postseason appearance in five seasons.
