Ron Pruitt – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ron Pruitt put together a solid nine-year run in Major League Baseball, bouncing between four teams from 1975 to 1983. Born in Flint, Michigan, he played as a catcher and utility guy, making stops with the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants before calling it quits at 31.

Pruitt wrapped up his pro baseball career in 1983 with his last game for the Giants on April 9. Over 341 games, he hit .269, knocked 12 homers, and drove in 92 runs—not bad for a guy who wore a lot of different hats on the field.

He started off as a standout at Michigan State University and worked his way up to the majors. That journey really shows the kind of grit and dedication you needed to make it in baseball during the late ’70s and early ’80s.

Let’s take a look at Pruitt’s path from college star to pro ballplayer. His career had some pretty cool moments, like catching Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry in his first big league game. After baseball, he moved on to other things, but his story gives a glimpse into the lives of those journeyman players who kept MLB running back then.

Ron Pruitt’s Early Life and Education

Ron Pruitt was born on October 21, 1951, in Flint, Michigan. He became a multi-sport athlete at Central High School and later earned All-American honors at Michigan State University.

Family Background in Flint, Michigan

Ronald Ralph Pruitt grew up in Flint, Michigan, a place with a big sports tradition. The city, known for its blue-collar roots, really valued hard work and athletic success.

Flint’s sports programs were tough and well-organized, which helped Pruitt develop as a young ballplayer. That environment played a big role in shaping his early skills.

His upbringing in Flint gave him a strong work ethic. The community’s support for athletes pushed him to chase his baseball dreams.

Athletic Achievements at Central High

At Flint Central High School, Pruitt stood out as a catcher on the baseball team. He showed early on he had the skills for the big leagues.

He didn’t just stick to baseball, either. Pruitt played basketball and showed off his all-around athleticism. His coordination and talent made him a force in pretty much any sport.

In football, he picked up All-Saginaw Valley quarterback honors in 1967. That award highlighted his leadership and athletic ability during high school.

Future MLB pitcher Jim Abbott also went to Central High. Seems like that school churned out more than a few pros.

Attending Michigan State and All-American Honors

After high school, Pruitt headed to Michigan State University. He played baseball for the Spartans and quickly made a name for himself.

He earned spots on the All Big Ten team in both 1971 and 1972. Those honors meant he was one of the best in a tough conference.

His play at Michigan State got him All-American status, which is a big deal for any college athlete.

Pruitt didn’t just play sports; he also focused on his studies. He graduated with degrees in Physical Education and Exercise Science.

The Texas Rangers picked him in the second round of the 1972 MLB draft (28th overall). His college career definitely caught the scouts’ eyes and kicked off his pro journey.

Path to Professional Baseball

Ron Pruitt’s road to the majors really started at Michigan State, where the Texas Rangers drafted him in 1972. After college, he worked his way through the minor leagues and then made his MLB debut in 1975.

MLB Draft and Signing

The Texas Rangers drafted Pruitt out of Michigan State in 1972. He’d already played at Flint Central High back in his hometown.

During college, Pruitt developed as a versatile player. He played catcher and outfield, which ended up being a big plus as a pro.

The Rangers liked his contact hitting and probably saw his flexibility as a real asset. They figured he could help at the major league level in a bunch of ways.

Minor League Development Years

After signing, Pruitt spent three seasons in the minors from 1972 to 1975. He used that time to sharpen his skills and get used to pro ball.

He kept working as a multi-position player, focusing on catching but also spending time in the outfield. That flexibility really helped him later.

The Rangers’ coaches helped Pruitt get more consistent at the plate. His contact hitting became his calling card. By 1975, he was ready for his shot in the big leagues.

Pruitt debuted in the majors on June 25, 1975, for the Texas Rangers. All that work in the minors paid off.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Ron Pruitt played nine seasons in the majors from 1975 to 1983. He built a reputation as a steady utility player who handled several positions. Over 341 games, he hit .269 with 12 home runs and 92 RBIs.

Debut with the Texas Rangers

Pruitt made his MLB debut on June 25, 1975, for the Texas Rangers at age 23. The Rangers had picked him in the second round (28th overall) in 1972 after his time at Michigan State.

He debuted against the Chicago White Sox but didn’t get an at-bat that first game, coming in as a sub.

The Rangers gave Pruitt his first shot at the big leagues. That 1975 season was just the start, and he’d go on to play for three more teams.

Versatility: Catcher and Other Positions

Pruitt’s main gig was catcher, but he filled in all over the field. He played outfield, first base, third base, and even served as a designated hitter now and then.

That kind of flexibility made him really useful to his teams. Managers could plug him in wherever they needed.

His catching was his strongest skill—he’d done it as an All-American in college. Still, being able to handle other spots definitely helped keep him in the majors longer.

MLB Teams Played For and Notable Seasons

Pruitt suited up for four teams in his nine-year career:

• Texas Rangers (1975)
• Cleveland Indians (1976-1980, 1981)
• Chicago White Sox (1980)
• San Francisco Giants (1982-1983)

He spent the most time with the Cleveland Indians, playing five seasons there. They gave him his best shot at regular playing time.

He played for both the White Sox and Indians in 1980, so he changed teams mid-season. His last MLB game was April 9, 1983, with the Giants against the Phillies.

Pruitt retired after the 1983 season at age 31.

Career Highlights and Memorable Moments

Ron Pruitt’s MLB career spanned nine years of solid hitting and fielding at several positions. His biggest moment? Catching Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry in his very first big league game. Later, he came up with some clutch hits when his teams really needed them.

Fielding and Batting Achievements

Pruitt posted a .269 batting average over his career, collecting 214 hits. He showed patience at the plate, working a .345 on-base percentage.

Behind the plate, Pruitt finished with a .986 fielding percentage as a catcher. He also played outfield, third, and first base, showing he could handle just about anything.

Career Batting Stats:

• Batting Average: .269
• Home Runs: 12
• RBIs: 92
• Total Hits: 214

His versatility made him valuable to a bunch of AL teams. As a catcher, he threw out runners at a 20% caught stealing rate.

Pruitt had his best year in 1977 with Cleveland, setting career highs in games (78), hits (63), doubles (10), and RBIs (32).

Key Games and Performances

Pruitt’s MLB debut on June 25, 1975, stands out. He came in as a pinch hitter against the White Sox and drew a walk in his first plate appearance.

The real highlight? Catching Gaylord Perry in that first game. Pruitt always called it his favorite memory: “Catching Gaylord Perry in 1st BL game.”

With the Giants, he delivered a game-winning hit against the Astros during a tight division race. That clutch moment showed he could handle pressure.

His short time with the White Sox in 1980 saw him hit .300, even though he didn’t play a full season there.

Pruitt also caught Dennis Eckersley, who he said was the best pitcher he ever worked with.

Recognition and Awards

Most of Pruitt’s big recognition came in college at Michigan State. He made the All Big Ten team twice in 1971 and 1972.

The Texas Rangers drafted him in the second round in 1972, showing scouts really liked his game coming out of school.

While at Michigan State, he earned degrees in PE and Exercise Science. Balancing school and sports isn’t easy, but he managed both.

Pruitt never picked up major MLB awards, but playing nine seasons for four teams says a lot. Teams kept bringing him in as a reliable backup catcher and utility guy.

Managers especially liked his ability to play multiple spots, which came in handy in the American League.

Retirement from Baseball in 1983

Ron Pruitt finished up his baseball career in 1983 after nine seasons in the majors. His last game was with the San Francisco Giants, capping off a career that took him through four MLB teams.

Final MLB Games and Transition

Pruitt’s last MLB season was just a single game with the Giants in 1983. The Giants released him in April, bringing a tough stretch to a close.

He barely played in 1982 either, logging only five plate appearances for San Francisco. He spent most of that year in Triple-A.

After leaving the Giants, Pruitt signed briefly with the Philadelphia Phillies. He didn’t make it back to the big leagues, though, and finished 1983 with the AAA Portland Beavers.

The move from playing to retirement happened pretty fast. At 31, Pruitt’s pro baseball days were over. He finished with 341 MLB games played across his time with the Rangers, Indians, White Sox, and Giants.

Reflections on Professional Career

Pruitt wrapped up his MLB career with a .269 batting average, 12 home runs, and 92 RBIs. People always knew him for his versatility.

He played all over the field—catcher, outfield, third base, first base, and even as a designated hitter. As a catcher, Pruitt posted a .986 fielding percentage and threw out 20% of runners trying to steal.

He worked closely with pitchers, and you could really see his ability when he caught for guys like Gaylord Perry and Dennis Eckersley. His favorite memory? Catching Gaylord Perry in his first big league game.

When someone asked him about the best pitcher he ever caught, Pruitt didn’t hesitate—Dennis Eckersley topped his list. After he retired from professional baseball, Pruitt switched gears and moved into communications work.

He eventually found his way back to baseball, coaching and teaching, then started his own baseball academy for kids around Akron, Ohio.

Life and Legacy After Baseball

After he left Major League Baseball in 1983, Ron Pruitt headed back to Michigan. He got involved with his local community again.

People later honored him for his athletic achievements by inducting him into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Community Involvement

Once he hung up his cleats, Pruitt kept strong ties to his hometown of Flint, Michigan. He stayed close to the local sports community that cheered him on from Central High School all the way to the majors.

He focused his post-baseball life on giving back to the place where it all started for him. Young athletes in the Flint area looked up to him.

Drawing from his time as a catcher and outfielder, he supported local sports programs. His presence in the community really showed aspiring athletes what was possible.

Honors and Inductions

The Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame honored Pruitt for his impact on baseball and inducted him as a member. They celebrated his professional career and his athletic achievements back in high school and college.

The hall of fame citation pointed out how he stood out at Central High School, especially as a catcher in baseball. He also played basketball and even served as the All-Saginaw Valley quarterback in 1967.

At Michigan State University, he grabbed All-American honors in baseball. That kind of college success definitely opened the door for his pro career, which lasted nine seasons in the major leagues.