SOLINGEN, Germany – During the summer of 2021, newly appointed head baseball coach, Scott Manahan, received a phone call from 14-year Major League Baseball player, and member of the 1996 World Champion New York Yankees, Charlie Hayes about a young player he was working with at his baseball academy in Texas. That phone call entailed Hayes' stout recommendation of that player serving at the cornerstone of the next era of Capital baseball. Manahan took Hayes' advice, and young Ryne McKinney, from Waller, Texas, found his way to Capital University to become that formidable building block for the rebuild of the Comets' baseball program.  McKinney was the first recruit of the Manahan era.

McKinney was, as billed by Hayes…and more.  Soon after a very successful career for the Comets, which ended Sunday in his final collegiate game against perennial national contender, Marietta College, McKinney inked a deal to join the two-time German National Champion Solingen Alligators of the Deutsche Baseball Liga (DBL) Second Division, previously known as the Baseball-Bundesliga. The DBL is the top-tier professional baseball league in Germany. Currently, the Alligators lead the Second DBL with a 5-1 league record. McKinney will report the first week of June in preparation for his German debut on Saturday, June 15th against the Bonn Capitals. 

The mastermind behind McKinney's signing was Fabian Valkieser, Chair of the Managing Board of Directors for Solingen Alligators Baseball Club, and Arne Pudin, who plays a pivotal role in player and strategic development for the club.  When asked about McKinney's addition to ball club, Valkieser was quick to mention that McKinney would play an integral role in providing offensive firepower and defensive stability as the Alligators continue their quest for baseball prominence in Germany and throughout Europe. 

Throughout his Comet career, McKinney ended with a .292 batting average, 147 hits, 31 doubles, four triples, 13 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 79 runs scored. He also drew 39 walks and was hit by 40 pitches. He spent his career playing first base, second base and third base depending on where the team needed him at the moment. Aside from his tenure in the Purple and White, McKinney played summer baseball each offseason, and he was rewarded with as the Cortland Crush's Team MVP in the summer of 2024. 

Comets head coach Scott Manahan said the fact Ryne has the privilege to continue playing international baseball is a testimonial to his hard work over his tenure at Capital University.  Manahan went on to say, "For a young man to leave Texas to come play baseball four years ago for a college baseball program digging itself out of a hole is a testimonial to his character and class…and commitment to playing an integral role in building a respectable college baseball program.  Ryne was and always will be the cornerstone of the rebuild of Capital University baseball. 

With the 2025 Comets' baseball season now in the books, only one thing for Capital, the players, coaches and fans to say to Ryne McKinney, 'Vielen Dank, viel Gluck und auf Wiedersehen,' or in English, 'Thank you, good luck, and goodbye,' as this Comet will soon be landing in Germany.