Darin Ruf's journey through professional baseball is a tale of perseverance and adaptability. Born on July 28, 1986, in Omaha, Nebraska, Ruf attended Creighton University, where he honed his skills as a powerful hitter. His performance in college caught the attention of Major League Baseball scouts, leading to his selection by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
Ruf's early years in the minor leagues were marked by steady progress. He spent several seasons developing his game, and in 2012, he had a breakout year with the Reading Phillies, the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. That season, Ruf hit an impressive 38 home runs, earning him the Joe Bauman Home Run Award for leading all of Minor League Baseball in home runs. His performance in Reading led to a late-season call-up to the majors, where he made his MLB debut with the Phillies on September 14, 2012.
In the major leagues, Ruf primarily played as a first baseman and left fielder. His power-hitting ability was his standout attribute, and he quickly became known for his ability to hit home runs. During his time with the Phillies, Ruf showed flashes of his potential, particularly in the 2013 season when he hit 14 home runs in 73 games. However, he struggled to maintain consistency at the plate and faced challenges in securing a regular spot in the Phillies' lineup.
Ruf's tenure with the Phillies lasted until 2016, after which he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he did not play a game for the Dodgers, as he was sold to the Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) before the 2017 season. This move to South Korea marked a new chapter in Ruf's career, providing him with an opportunity to revitalize his professional journey.
In the KBO, Ruf found success as a member of the Samsung Lions. Over three seasons from 2017 to 2019, he became one of the league's most productive hitters. Ruf's time in Korea allowed him to refine his skills and gain valuable experience, which would later prove beneficial upon his return to Major League Baseball.
Ruf returned to the United States in 2020, signing a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants. He made the Giants' Opening Day roster and played a key role as a utility player, contributing both as a pinch hitter and in various defensive positions. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Ruf posted a solid .276 batting average with five home runs in 40 games, demonstrating his ability to adapt and perform at the major league level once again.
The 2021 season saw Ruf continue to be a valuable asset for the Giants. He played in 117 games, hitting 16 home runs and maintaining a .271 batting average. His performance helped the Giants secure a playoff berth, and Ruf's versatility and experience were instrumental in the team's success.
Throughout his career, Darin Ruf demonstrated the ability to overcome challenges and adapt to different environments.
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