Bruce Ruffin – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bruce Wayne Ruffin spent 12 seasons carving out a solid career in Major League Baseball before he finally called it a day in 1997. The lefty started out with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1986, moved on to the Milwaukee Brewers, and wrapped things up with the Colorado Rockies in 1997. Over those years, Ruffin shifted from starting pitcher to reliever, taking the mound in 356 games and racking up 840 strikeouts. He proved himself adaptable, always ready to fill the role his team needed.

Born in 1963 in Lubbock, Texas, Ruffin took the long road to the majors, starting at the University of Texas before the Phillies drafted him. He impressed early on, especially with a curveball and changeup that kept hitters guessing. By the time the Rockies came calling in the ’90s, Ruffin had reinvented himself as a go-to bullpen arm, giving the expansion team a reliable option in those unpredictable early seasons.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Bruce Wayne Ruffin’s baseball story really started in Lubbock, Texas, where his raw ability and work ethic quickly separated him from the crowd. With family cheering him on, tough high school competition, and the grind of college baseball, Ruffin became the left-handed pitcher who would stick around the big leagues for over a decade.

Family Background

Bruce Ruffin was born October 4, 1963, in Lubbock. Growing up in a region that loves its baseball, Ruffin started throwing in the backyard at a young age. His dad, a passionate baseball fan, spent plenty of evenings working on pitching basics with him.

The Ruffin family made sure Bruce balanced sports with school, and that steady support stuck with him. His parents rarely missed a game and always had his back, both on and off the field.

Bruce’s left-handed arm stood out in youth leagues. That natural advantage, mixed with his family’s encouragement, paved the way for his future in baseball.

High School Achievements

At Monterey High School, Ruffin quickly made a name for himself as one of the best pitchers in the area. Scouts started noticing his numbers and his presence on the mound.

As a junior, Ruffin led Monterey to a district title, posting an ERA under 2.00. His senior year, he really took off:

• He finished with a 12-2 record
• Struck out over 140 hitters
• Earned All-State honors
• Won District MVP

His coach, Bill Jackson, played a big part in sharpening Ruffin’s pitching mechanics. “Bruce had talent, but he really stood out because he never stopped learning,” Jackson once said.

Collegiate Baseball Experience

Ruffin’s high school success earned him a scholarship to the University of Texas, landing him a spot on the legendary Longhorns baseball team. Coach Cliff Gustafson helped Ruffin become one of the country’s top college pitchers.

At Texas, Ruffin helped the Longhorns battle in the always-tough Southwest Conference. By his sophomore year, he’d cracked the weekend rotation, showing off his control and steadily adding new pitches.

His junior season turned him into the team’s ace. Some of his college highlights:

• Led Texas to the College World Series
• Picked up All-Conference honors
• Developed his signature curveball
• Caught the attention of plenty of MLB scouts

Ruffin’s run at Texas wrapped up with his selection in the second round of the MLB draft by the Phillies in 1985, officially kicking off his professional baseball career.

MLB Debut and Professional Career Beginnings

Bruce Ruffin’s climb to the majors started in the mid-’80s after the Philadelphia Phillies picked him up. He wasted no time showing off his lefty skills as he jumped from college to pro ball.

Draft Selection and Signing

The Phillies took Bruce Wayne Ruffin in the second round of the 1985 MLB Draft, 34th overall. Coming out of Texas, Ruffin already had a reputation as a tough competitor. The organization saw something in the lefty from Lubbock.

Once he signed, Ruffin moved up the minor league ladder quickly—faster than most picks from that era. At 6’2″ and 205 pounds, he had the size teams wanted in a starter.

The Phillies, in the middle of a rebuild, needed young arms like Ruffin to shape their future rotation.

First MLB Appearances

Ruffin made his big league debut on June 28, 1986, with the Phillies. The rookie lefty felt the pressure—Philadelphia needed fresh talent, and he faced some tough lineups right out of the gate.

In those first games, Ruffin flashed the potential that got him drafted so high. He went up against established names like Ryne Sandberg. The adjustment was tough, but Ruffin figured things out.

He relied on a solid fastball and mixed in breaking pitches. He learned quickly that at the MLB level, pitch location and changing speeds matter more than raw power.

Early Teams and Roles

With the Phillies, Ruffin started off mostly as a starting pitcher. The club’s management gave him chances to prove himself in the rotation. During this time, Ruffin even appeared on Donruss baseball cards, which fans of ’80s baseball still remember.

From 1986 to 1991, Ruffin worked to find his footing in the majors. His role changed as the team’s needs shifted. Eventually, the Phillies traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he kept working on his game.

Later, the Colorado Rockies picked Ruffin in the expansion draft, setting up a new chapter in his career. He would soon move into a reliever and closer role.

Peak Career with Colorado Rockies

Bruce Ruffin hit his stride with the Colorado Rockies, transforming from a struggling starter into one of the National League’s steadiest relievers. Those years in Denver defined his career and made him a fan favorite.

Joining the Rockies

Ruffin joined the Colorado Rockies before their first season in 1993, after stops with the Phillies and Brewers. While some pitchers dreaded Coors Field’s thin air, Ruffin just rolled with it. He switched from starter to reliever, and that move brought his career back to life.

Manager Don Baylor and the Rockies’ staff saw Ruffin’s value in the bullpen. His lefty delivery and knack for getting ground balls made him a great fit for Colorado.

Ruffin joined other Rockies originals like David Nied and Dante Bichette, helping set the tone for the new franchise. His willingness to adapt turned out to be a huge asset.

Key Seasons and Highlights

Ruffin’s best years with the Rockies came in 1995 and 1996. In ’95, he helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time—pretty impressive for a club in just its third season. His steady relief work played a big part in the Rockies grabbing the NL wild card.

During his Colorado stint, Ruffin put up a 3.84 ERA over 246 games, which is no small feat at Coors Field. He notched 60 saves, showing he could handle the pressure.

His 1996 season stands out—24 saves, solid command, and the ability to keep the ball low, forcing weak contact. That became his calling card.

Notable Games and Performances

On September 12, 1995, Ruffin struck out the side in the ninth against Houston, locking down a crucial win during a playoff chase. That outing showed he could handle big moments.

Another highlight came July 23, 1996, when Ruffin entered with the bases loaded against the Dodgers and got out of the jam without giving up a run. That kind of performance made him the go-to guy in tight spots.

He also threw 2⅓ perfect innings in the Rockies’ first-ever playoff game in 1995 against Atlanta. Colorado didn’t win the series, but Ruffin’s nerves held steady on the postseason stage.

Memorable Teammates

Ruffin’s success lined up with the rise of the “Blake Street Bombers” like Andres Galarraga and Vinny Castilla. Their bats gave Ruffin leads to protect, and the trust went both ways.

In the bullpen, guys like Darren Holmes and Curtis Leskanic formed a close group with Ruffin. They worked together to figure out how to pitch in Colorado’s wild conditions.

He also built a good connection with Rockies catchers Joe Girardi and Jeff Reed, who helped him call the right pitches in tough situations.

Ruffin and David Nied, the team’s first draft pick, often talked pitching strategy, with Ruffin sharing advice and experience.

Noteworthy Appearances Against Prominent Teams

Bruce Ruffin spent his career facing some of the National League’s toughest teams. He often stepped up in big games, showing resilience and a knack for finding the right pitch when it counted.

Games vs. New York Mets

Ruffin had some memorable outings against the New York Mets. Back with the Phillies (1986-1991), he built a reputation for staying cool against the Mets’ heavy hitters.

In August 1987, he tossed a complete game shutout at Veterans Stadium, working his way through a lineup with stars like Darryl Strawberry and Keith Hernandez.

Usually, Ruffin attacked the Mets’ right-handed power with pitches on the outside edge. That approach paid off—he posted a 3.76 ERA against them in his career.

Later, with the Rockies, Ruffin kept delivering against the Mets, picking up 8 saves from 1993 to 1997.

Matchups with Atlanta Braves

Ruffin’s showdowns with the Atlanta Braves in the ’90s were always a test. The Braves had a stacked rotation and a tough lineup, so every pitch mattered.

Even so, Ruffin turned in some strong performances. In June 1994, he came in during a tie and retired the heart of the Braves order with 2.1 perfect innings.

“Facing those Braves teams was like navigating a minefield,” Ruffin once said. “You had to be perfect with every pitch.”

As the Rockies’ closer, he converted 12 saves against Atlanta from 1993 to 1997, proving he could handle the heat against the best.

Contests Against Los Angeles Dodgers

Ruffin often showed off his adaptability and tactical mindset when facing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over his career, he took the mound against the Dodgers more than 40 times, both in the regular season and playoffs.

Probably his most unforgettable game came in September 1990 with the Phillies. He went up against Orel Hershiser in a crucial late-season clash and came out on top. Ruffin worked through 7 innings, giving up just one run to a Dodgers lineup with Eddie Murray and Kal Daniels.

When he joined the Colorado Rockies in 1993, Ruffin kept up his strong showings against Los Angeles. Even at Coors Field, where pitchers usually struggle, he managed a 3.45 ERA against the Dodgers.

He liked to mix his slider and changeup, especially against LA’s mostly right-handed hitters. That approach paid off—he notched 9 saves against the Dodgers as a Rockies reliever.

Playing Style and Pitching Profile

Bruce Ruffin built a reputation as a versatile lefty who could handle both starting and relieving. He adapted well, especially later in his career when he moved into bullpen roles.

Pitch Arsenal and Techniques

Ruffin had a solid mix of pitches that made him useful in different situations. He relied on a sinking fastball in the low 90s and a sharp breaking ball that gave righties fits. His delivery had a deceptive quality—he hid the ball just long enough to throw off hitters.

His changeup became a bigger part of his game as he got older, helping him keep batters guessing. After landing with the Colorado Rockies, Ruffin tweaked how he pitched to deal with Coors Field’s thin air, which made breaking balls harder to throw.

He usually showed good command, though he had some seasons where walks crept up on him. That command mattered even more once he moved to the bullpen.

Strengths on the Mound

Ruffin’s biggest strength? Versatility. He shifted from starting with the Phillies to becoming a reliable bullpen arm for the Rockies. As a lefty, he could really neutralize left-handed hitters in tight spots late in games.

He showed mental toughness, especially pitching in Colorado, where plenty of pitchers lost their confidence. Ruffin kept his cool, which helped him avoid giving up too many home runs at Coors Field, even though the park favored hitters.

Durability was another plus. Ruffin bounced back quickly between appearances, making him a go-to option for managers who needed someone on back-to-back days.

Bullpen and Closing Roles

Ruffin really found his groove in the bullpen with the Rockies. He started out as a starter in Philadelphia but reinvented himself as a reliever—and even took over closing duties for a while.

He racked up 60 saves with Colorado. In high-pressure situations, Ruffin became a steady option for the new Rockies franchise. In 1996, he split closing duties with Robb Nen, showing once again that he could fit wherever the team needed him.

In his last season in 1997, Ruffin kept working out of the bullpen, pitching in 58 games (see his MLB game logs). His success as a reliever helped stretch out his career and kept him valuable to Colorado right up to his retirement after 1997.

Transitions Between Major League Teams

Bruce Ruffin bounced around a bit during his 13-year MLB career, with each move shaping him as a pitcher. He spent time with Philadelphia, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Colorado.

Trade to Chicago Cubs

The Philadelphia Phillies traded Ruffin to the Chicago Cubs on April 23, 1990, after five seasons. His performance with the Phillies had slipped, and he needed a change.

The Cubs picked up Ruffin to boost their rotation. He got to work alongside Greg Maddux, a future Hall of Famer.

Ruffin’s stint with the Cubs didn’t last long—he went 2-5—but it forced him to adjust his pitching style, which ended up helping him later on.

Tenure with Milwaukee Brewers

On August 30, 1990, Ruffin landed with the Milwaukee Brewers. This move ended up being a turning point.

In Milwaukee, Ruffin shifted from starter to reliever, and it gave his career new life. He focused on shorter outings that played to his strengths.

He shared the clubhouse with Dale Sveum, who played infield for Milwaukee at the time. That period helped Ruffin cement his role in the Brewers’ bullpen.

His numbers improved in Milwaukee, and by the time he left, he’d become a dependable reliever.

Late Career Moves

Ruffin’s last big move came in 1993, when he signed with the Colorado Rockies as a free agent. That final chapter really defined the end of his career.

With the Rockies, Ruffin thrived as a closer and setup man. He quickly became a key part of the bullpen during the team’s early years.

He stuck around Colorado for five seasons—his longest run with any team. Pitching at Coors Field forced him to adapt, but he managed it better than most.

He stayed with the Rockies until retiring after the 1997 season. He hit free agency on October 31, 1997, and though he signed again with Colorado in January 1998, he didn’t make it back to the majors.

Career Milestones and Statistics

Bruce Ruffin’s 13 years in the big leagues included plenty of highlights and solid stats. He made his mark as both a starter and a reliever.

Most Memorable Victories

A few wins really stand out. During his rookie season with the Phillies in 1986, Ruffin beat Dwight Gooden and the Mets at Veterans Stadium.

His move to Colorado in 1993 gave him a special moment—he picked up the Rockies’ first-ever save at Mile High Stadium. He seemed to handle Denver’s thin air better than most.

With the Brewers, Ruffin tossed a complete game win over the Red Sox in 1990, striking out 11—his career high. That game showed he could still dominate tough lineups.

His last win came with the Rockies in 1997, wrapping up a career that spanned from the old-school parks of the ‘80s to the expansion teams of the ‘90s.

Statistical Highlights

Ruffin’s 13-year MLB career left him with some strong numbers:

Category	Career Total
Wins	60
Saves	67
Strikeouts	795
ERA	4.19
Games	419

The Phillies drafted him in the 2nd round (34th overall) in 1985. Ruffin grew into a flexible pitcher, and his best year came in 1996 with Colorado: a 2.12 ERA, 24 saves, and 91 strikeouts over 72 innings.

He generally kept his walks down, averaging 3.8 per nine innings, even in hitter-friendly parks. His strikeout-to-walk ratio got better as he settled into relief work.

Awards and Recognitions

Ruffin never made an All-Star team, but teammates and coaches appreciated what he brought. In 1986, he finished 6th in NL Rookie of the Year voting with a 9-4 record and a 2.46 ERA.

The Texas native picked up Rockies Pitcher of the Month honors multiple times. His steady performance at Coors Field definitely stood out.

Before going pro, Ruffin starred at the University of Texas and made the All-Southwest Conference team. That college success set him up as a top prospect.

He also earned respect for his durability. Even after moving from starter to reliever—a tough adjustment for most—Ruffin stayed effective, which isn’t easy.

Final Seasons and Retirement in 1997

Bruce Ruffin wrapped up his baseball career in 1997 after 12 seasons in the majors. His last days with the Colorado Rockies closed out a journey that started with the Phillies in ‘86.

Last Major League Appearances

Ruffin’s final season with the Rockies came in 1997. He made his last big league appearance on June 26, at age 33. By then, he’d pitched in 444 games—341 of those as a reliever.

That last year, Ruffin struggled. His numbers dropped off, and it looked like injuries or just the grind of years in the bullpen caught up with him.

He had shifted from being a starter early on to a full-time reliever, which bought him a few more seasons, but eventually, time won out.

Decision to Retire

Ruffin called it a career at 33, which was pretty typical for pitchers in the 1990s. He probably weighed a bunch of factors—maybe his arm just didn’t bounce back like it used to.

Pitchers put a lot of miles on their arms, and the wear and tear adds up. That final dip in his stats probably told Ruffin it was time to walk away. He finished with a career record of 60 wins and 82 losses, with highs and lows along the way.

He retired in the middle of the 1997 season, which suggests something specific—maybe health, maybe a personal decision—prompted him to step away rather than waiting until the year’s end.

Legacy Left Behind

Bruce Ruffin’s baseball legacy really comes down to his adaptability and how long he managed to stick around. He kicked things off with the Phillies (1986-1991), spent a stint with the Brewers, and eventually landed with the Rockies, where he wrapped up his career.

He didn’t just stick to one pitching role—he moved from starter to reliever and made it work. That switch definitely kept his career going longer than most, and his teams got a lot of mileage out of his willingness to do whatever they needed.

Ruffin might not have put up the jaw-dropping stats of some of his peers, but he stuck around for 12 seasons in the majors, which is way more than most guys can say. He bounced between roles and teams, always showing up with that professional resilience you want in a ballplayer.

Coming out of Texas and playing at the University of Texas before turning pro, Ruffin represented those steady, adaptable players every good team relies on. He didn’t become a household name, but he definitely left his mark on three franchises, and plenty of teammates and fans remember him fondly.

Impact on Teammates and Coaches

Bruce Ruffin made his presence felt off the field just as much as on it. He built strong relationships in the clubhouse and left a real impression on coaches and younger players.

Mentoring Younger Players

By his later years with the Rockies, Ruffin naturally slid into a mentoring role. Young relievers often came to him for advice on pitching and keeping their heads straight. He had this calm, steady vibe, even when the pressure ramped up, and younger pitchers tried to pick up on that.

“Bruce was like having another pitching coach in the bullpen,” remembered Garrett Stephenson, a former teammate who said Ruffin helped him develop his changeup during their time in Colorado.

Ruffin paid special attention to rookies, especially those learning how to close out games. He always talked about the importance of sticking to a routine and staying consistent—pretty crucial when you’re pitching at Coors Field, where nothing comes easy.

A bunch of Rockies players who came up in the mid-’90s point to Ruffin as a big reason they found their footing. He never held back when it came to sharing what he knew, and the respect he earned in the clubhouse showed it.

Collaborations with Coaches

Ruffin got along really well with the coaching staff. Pitching coach Larry Bearnarth often asked him for input on bullpen strategy, and Ruffin was happy to share his thoughts.

Jeff Newman, who coached Ruffin with the Phillies, once said, “Bruce had exceptional baseball intelligence. He understood pitching mechanics so well that coaches would sometimes defer to his judgment.”

In Colorado, Ruffin and manager Don Baylor worked together to come up with bullpen strategies that made sense for the weird conditions at Coors Field. Their teamwork set the tone for how the Rockies handled their relievers for years after.

Coaches liked that Ruffin took an analytical approach to the game. He kept detailed notes on hitters and openly shared them with the staff, making the whole pitching group stronger.

Post-Retirement Life and Personal Endeavors

After he called it quits in 1997, Bruce Ruffin didn’t just fade away—he found new ways to stay connected to baseball and build a life outside the game.

Involvement in Baseball After Retirement

Ruffin didn’t wander far from the field after leaving the majors. Since 1998, he’s spent a lot of time on baseball and pitching instruction, helping young players develop their skills. With nearly three decades as an instructor, he’s become a trusted mentor in the baseball world.

He focuses on the basics and the mental side of pitching—the same things that helped him last 12 years in the bigs. He’s worked with everyone from little leaguers to college prospects.

Some folks in the baseball community think his move into coaching made perfect sense, considering how much he was known for his baseball smarts and technical know-how as a player.

Community and Philanthropic Activities

Ruffin likes to keep things pretty low-key, but he shows up for alumni events with his old teams, especially the Rockies, where he finished his career from 1993-97. These get-togethers usually support team charities or local causes.

Teammates say Ruffin is generous with his time, especially when it comes to youth baseball in Philly, Milwaukee, and Colorado—basically anywhere he played.

He’s also made appearances at the University of Texas at Austin, his alma mater, for alumni events and to support the Longhorns baseball program that helped launch his career.

Personal Interests and Family

Since stepping away from the daily grind of pro baseball, Ruffin’s managed to strike a nice balance between family life and his baseball interests. No more endless road trips—he gets to spend real time with his loved ones now.

He loves the outdoors and makes the most of Colorado’s scenery, settling there after retiring in 1997.

His University of Texas ties still mean a lot to him, and he’s been known to follow Longhorn athletics pretty closely. The way he’s handled life after baseball feels a lot like his playing days—steady, focused, and grounded.

Legacy Within the Baseball Community

Bruce Ruffin’s 12-year run in the majors left a real impression, especially because he could handle both starting and closing. His time with the Phillies, Brewers, and Rockies showed how he adapted and kept going, no matter how things changed in the league.

Influence on Future Pitchers

Ruffin’s move from starter to reliever stands out as a solid example for pitchers facing a crossroads in their careers. When he joined the Rockies in 1993, he jumped right into the bullpen and eventually became their closer.

Young pitchers in the National League watched how he handled the tough pitching conditions at Coors Field. Ruffin’s ability to stay effective in that hitter-friendly ballpark showed off his technical skills and mental toughness.

Pitching coaches often used his pitch selection and calm under fire as teaching tools for up-and-coming relievers. Several Rockies pitchers from the team’s early days say his advice and example made a big difference for them.

Recognition by Teams and Media

Ruffin never got to play in the World Series, but people inside the game respected what he brought to the table. The Rockies have called him one of their key early players after they picked him up from Milwaukee.

His baseball cards, like Donruss and 1997 Circa, have become nice keepsakes for collectors who remember those first Rockies teams. Writers often mentioned how reliable he was during the team’s rough early seasons.

When he retired after 1997, media outlets pointed out his 60 saves for Colorado and how he managed to reinvent himself. The Denver Post even featured him in their “Colorado Classics” series, which pretty much sealed his spot in Rockies lore.

The Rockies still mention his contributions in their media guides when they talk about those early years.

Reputation Among Peers

Pitchers and teammates who played with Ruffin consistently talk about his professionalism and work ethic. As one of the veterans on those early Rockies squads, he gave the clubhouse some much-needed leadership.

Managers liked that he could handle whatever job they threw his way. He switched from starting to relieving without a fuss, always putting the team first.

Catchers who worked with him appreciated his preparation and the way he approached each game. He kept things cool, even in tight spots, and that made him a go-to guy when things got tense.

Phillies teammates remember his role during their competitive years, and Rockies players from the mid-’90s talk about how he helped steady the team during those early, sometimes rocky, seasons.

Notable Opponents and Connections

Over his dozen years in the majors, Bruce Ruffin went up against some of the best hitters in baseball and built relationships with players that shaped his career. He had his share of memorable matchups and friendships.

Rivalry Games

While pitching for the Phillies from 1986-1991, Ruffin faced tough division rivals. Barry Bonds, for example, always seemed to wait out Ruffin’s breaking stuff and made life difficult for him.

The battles with the Mets stand out, too. Ruffin would try to keep Darryl Strawberry off balance by working the outside corner. Grady Sizemore, even though he played a bit later, got a taste of Ruffin’s pitching during his Rockies days.

During his Brewers stint in 1992, Ruffin went up against Joe Carter in some high-stakes situations. Carter’s knack for clutch hits made those encounters pretty nerve-wracking.

With the Rockies in the NL West, he matched up with Tony Gwynn—a classic chess game between hitter and pitcher.

Connections with Prominent Players

Ruffin made some lasting friendships over the years. In his final season in 1997, he mentored young Rockies pitchers like Joe Nathan, who later became a top closer.

Carlos Ruiz wasn’t a direct teammate but trained with Ruffin in the off-season, and those Phillies ties helped Ruiz develop.

He teamed up in the bullpen with guys like Fernando Rodney and Gerardo Parra to create some solid late-inning combinations. Dave Roberts, before his managing days, crossed paths with Ruffin during spring training.

Buddy Bell, who coached during Ruffin’s career, gave him tips that helped sharpen his pitching. That kind of veteran guidance was important for Ruffin, especially during his later years with the Rockies.

Baseball Cards and Memorabilia

Bruce Ruffin’s baseball cards capture his run through the Phillies, Brewers, and Rockies. Collectors especially like the cards from his Rockies days, when he became a trusted reliever.

Trading Card Releases

You’ll find Bruce Ruffin on plenty of baseball cards from his career, especially in 1997, his last year. His 1997 Topps #136 card shows him in a Rockies uniform, pitching in relief.

For collectors who like something a little different, the 1997 Score Hobby Reserve #HR332 is a more limited edition and usually came in special hobby packs.

Circa’s 1997 set also has Ruffin as card #65, and some versions even include his autograph. Donruss featured him in several sets during his Phillies years, too, so there’s no shortage of Ruffin memorabilia out there.

Collectible Moments

Ruffin’s most sought-after memorabilia usually comes from his days as a relief pitcher with the Colorado Rockies. Collectors especially go after autographed Circa cards from his last season in 1997—they really capture the end of his career in a way that feels pretty meaningful.

Every now and then, game-used equipment from Ruffin pops up at auction. Stuff from the Rockies’ 1995 playoff run tends to get the most buzz. After all, that was Colorado’s very first postseason, which is kind of a big deal if you ask me.

If you’re hunting for Ruffin cards, specialty sites like COMC make the search easier by rounding up cards from a bunch of sellers in one spot.