A left-handed hitting outfielder, Ready played for the University of Missouri – St. Louis from 1976-79. During those four years, his UMSL team never had a losing season, advancing to the NCAA Regionals every year. In 1977, the Rivermen played in the NCAA Division II College World Series. That year, Ready was an honorable mention All-American. In 1978, Greg received first-team All-America honors. His career batting average at UMSL was .405, third highest in the school’s history. He still holds UMSL career records for most hits (228) and steals (122). He went on to coach the UMSL team in the 1990s and was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

In 1977, Ready played for the Wareham Gatemen in the Cape Cod League. The next season, he played for the Staunton Braves in the Virginia Valley League, winning the North Central Region batting championship and leading the league in stolen bases.

Greg played in the St. Louis County League for the Fenton Vets in 1979, and the St. Louis Gateway in 1980.