Sudbrook Thrilled To Join His Brother At Toledo

Ryan Sudbrook SS / 2B / Avon, OH / 2025

AVON - The reasons for Ryan Sudbrook to make a commitment to the University of Toledo are many, but perhaps the biggest is the chance to play with his older brother.

The Avon High School junior will have that opportunity two years from now after choosing the Mid-American Conference school 90 minutes from home over the likes of Michigan State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Ohio State and Cincinnati.

“They were the first school to reach out,” related the 25th-ranked 2025 in the state. “It was sort of through my brother. They followed me through the summer at the State Games and Future Games. I went on visits to other schools and narrowed it down to coaches, the campus and playing time and decided on Toledo.”

Seeing his brother, Troy, in action at UT was another part of the equation.

“Familiarity with the coaches watching games with my brother on the team,” Sudbrook said of additional things that stood out about Toledo. “Also, the chance to play with my brother. I only played one game with him in high school, my freshman year the last game I got in against Medina and got a hit.”

The possibility of getting on the field again with his older sibling, a 2022 graduate of Avon, means a lot.

“Growing up we were close and very competitive,” Sudbrook reflected. “We always wanted to be better than the other. But as we got older we toned in on being better with each other. We bonded more and understood how we each played. I feel that will help us at the next level.”

There was more than just family ties that Toledo found in the younger Sudbrook.

“When I went to a winter camp there they said my fielding is the best in the state,” the third-rated junior shortstop in Ohio related. “They like the way I move. They also realize once I get more maturity my bat will be there.”

The 17-year-old again pointed to his brother with helping him figure out his path in the sport of baseball.

“Growing up I always hoped to make it to the big leagues,” Sudbrook noted. “Seeing my brother go through the process, I figured out that Division I baseball is the next step in my career.”

There was assistance along the way.

“Ryan Rue coached me and also coached my brother,” Sudbrook said in reference to his T3 summer coach. “I was always in the dugout with them and I love the way he coaches. He went to a small school and made it to the pros. He’s a great role model for us.

“David Siler, my fielding coach, has also been big. He’s always wanting to help me improve my game. T3 Performance is another. I trained there since I was eight.”

The help was vital in a recruiting process that was highlighted by the premier PBR event of the summer in late July at LakePoint, Ga.

“The Future Games is the biggest event I’ve ever been to,” Sudbrook said. “It’s the most exposure you can get. The athletes are amazing. It’s the best arms you’ll see, from the upper-80s to lower-90s. That’s a big boost in getting used to it.”

A week after the Future Games came the big day.

“On Aug. 1 I got a lot of interest,” Sudbrook related. “It got down to a few that interested me the most. I went on some visits and I found the one I’m most comfortable with.” 

Improvement was beneficial in making it all happen.

“Definitely more strength is a big part,” Sudbrook explained. “Coming into my freshman year I was 125 pounds. I put on a lot of weight and muscle. That and getting extra work in the cages and fielding really helped me improve.”

With it came a memorable day.

“It was very exciting when I committed,” Sudbrook said. “Everyone was praising me. But it doesn’t mean the work stops. It’s just the first milestone. I haven’t made it yet.”

The 6-1 175-pounder is of the belief he can play a major role at Toledo.

“I’ll bring a lot of heart and energy to help the program,” Sundbrook pointed out. “I want to keep it going in the direction it’s been going the last couple of years and hopefully help bring a national championship.”

Business is the probable major according to Sudbrook, a 4.4 student at Avon with high aspirations about his days ahead at UT.

“I’m looking forward to progressing my game with the type of knowledge they have,” Sudbrook concluded. “On the hitting side they’ve hit a lot of home runs the last few years and I want to be a part of that. I want to progress my game and help them succeed.”