Charles Herbert "Red" Ruffing, born on May 3, 1905, in Granville, Illinois, became one of the most respected pitchers in Major League Baseball history. His career began with the Boston Red Sox, where he debuted as a pitcher in 1924. Initially, Ruffing struggled to find his footing in the major leagues. During his early years with the Red Sox, he faced challenges, including a losing record and a high earned run average (ERA). Despite these setbacks, his potential was evident, and he continued to refine his skills on the mound.

In 1930, Ruffing's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the New York Yankees. This move proved to be a turning point, as he flourished with the Yankees, becoming an integral part of their pitching staff. Ruffing's tenure with the Yankees coincided with one of the most successful periods in the team's history. He played a crucial role in helping the Yankees secure six World Series championships during his time with the team.

Ruffing's pitching style was characterized by his powerful fastball and effective curveball, which kept batters off balance. His ability to pitch effectively in high-pressure situations made him a reliable asset for the Yankees. Over the years, Ruffing developed a reputation for his durability and consistency on the mound. He was known for his workhorse mentality, often pitching complete games and leading the league in innings pitched.

Throughout his career with the Yankees, Ruffing achieved numerous accolades. He was selected to the All-Star team six times, reflecting his status as one of the top pitchers in the league. His performance in the World Series was particularly impressive, as he compiled a 7-2 record with a 2.63 ERA in ten World Series starts. Ruffing's contributions were instrumental in the Yankees' dominance during the 1930s and early 1940s.

In addition to his pitching prowess, Ruffing was also a competent hitter, a rarity for pitchers of his era. He maintained a respectable batting average and occasionally contributed with the bat, adding another dimension to his value as a player. His ability to contribute both on the mound and at the plate made him a unique asset to his team.

Ruffing's career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Army Air Forces. Despite the interruption, he returned to baseball after the war and continued to pitch effectively. He concluded his major league career with the Chicago White Sox in 1947, bringing an end to a remarkable journey in professional baseball.

After retiring as a player, Ruffing remained involved in the sport, serving as a coach and scout for various teams. His knowledge and experience were highly regarded, and he continued to contribute to the game in these roles. In recognition of his outstanding career, Ruffing was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967, cementing his legacy as one of the game's great pitchers.

Red Ruffing passed away on February 17, 1986, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio.

⚾