Cornelius J "Connie" Ryan, a former LSU graduate, batted .316 with 73 RBIs in his rookie season with Savannah in 1940. By 1942 he was with the Giants and was traded to the Braves the following year, making the all-star team in 1944.

He entered military service in July 1944 and served with the Navy in the Pacific. He was part of the 5th Fleet ball team during the Western Pacific tour of 1945.

Ryan returned to the Braves in 1946 and remained in the majors until 1954. He was a coach and minor league manager with Milwaukee during the late 1950s, and served as a scout and minor league manager with Houston during the 1960s. He went on to manage Atlanta in 1975 and also managed the Texas Rangers in 1977.

Connie Ryan passed away in Metairie, Louisiana on January 3, 1996. He was 75.