Chico Ruiz – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Chico Ruiz made his mark in baseball history during his eight-year Major League run with the Cincinnati Reds and California Angels from 1964 to 1971.

He wasn’t a superstar, but his versatility and some truly unforgettable moments on the field set him apart.

Born Giraldo Sablón Ruiz in Santo Domingo, Cuba, he built a reputation for speed, defensive flexibility, and the rare ability to play seven different positions while in the majors.

Ruiz’s career had its share of high points and controversies. He pulled off a steal of home that helped spoil the Phillies’ 1964 National League pennant hopes, and he later got tangled up in a clubhouse incident involving a handgun.

His journey took him from being the son of a cigar factory owner in Cuba to the big leagues, reflecting the dreams—and struggles—of so many Latin American players in that era.

Sadly, his life ended in a car accident in 1972, just months after he wrapped up his final season.

Let’s take a look at Ruiz’s early life in Cuba, his path to the majors, his biggest moments, and the personal challenges he faced as an expatriate player.

He crossed paths with teammates like Johnny Bench, and his story captures both the opportunities and obstacles that shaped baseball in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Early Life and Background

Hiraldo Sablón Ruiz was born December 5, 1938, in Santo Domingo, Cuba. His family had deep roots in the island’s tobacco industry.

Baseball was everywhere in Cuban culture, so it’s no surprise he grew up with the game.

Family Heritage in Cuba

Chico Ruiz came from a well-known business family in Cuba’s tobacco trade.

His father, Julio Sablón, ran a cigar factory that had been in the family for generations. The business, Tabacos Hermanos Sablón, started with Giraldo’s grandfather, Julián Sablón.

His mother, Bárbara Ruiz Dreke, raised five kids—Giraldo, two brothers (Julio and Gilberto), and two sisters (Irma and Yraida).

The Sablóns held a solid reputation in their community thanks to the tobacco business.

When Fidel Castro took over, everything changed. The new government seized the Sablón family business and folded it into Cubatabaco, the state-run tobacco company.

Julio Sablón the younger eventually led the labor force at Cubatabaco after the takeover.

That shift, from private business owners to government employees, marked a huge change for the family.

Early Baseball Influences

Baseball was woven into everyday life in Cuba during Ruiz’s childhood.

In early 1964, he told reporters, “Where I live in Cuba, if baby is boy, his first gift is always a bat.”

His speed stood out in high school. One day, the track coach saw him watching practice and invited him to run a sprint.

Giraldo won the race barefoot, showing off the athleticism that would later make him a standout on the diamond.

Despite his baseball talent, his father hoped he’d take over the family cigar business.

After high school, Giraldo decided to go his own way. He studied architecture in college, finishing three years with a focus on residential housing.

He planned to finish his degree at a U.S. university, but baseball ended up taking over his life before he got the chance.

Immigration to the United States

Ruiz started his journey to American baseball by signing with the Cincinnati Reds in 1958 at 19.

Cincinnati had a strong Cuban talent pipeline, thanks to the friendship between Reds GM Gabe Paul and Bobby Maduro, owner of the Havana Sugar Kings.

Scout Tony Pacheco discovered Ruiz and put together a team of about fifteen young Cuban players to travel the island for exhibition games.

Future big leaguers like Diego Seguí, Tony González, José Tartabull, and Tony Pérez were part of that group.

Moving to America led to some confusion with his name. His father signed the immigration papers, and in 1961 Ruiz explained, “My father had to sign for me when I leave Cuba. He tell the immigration people my name is ‘Giraldo’ and they misunderstand. In Spanish ‘G’ is pronounced ‘H,’ so they think he mean ‘Hiraldo.’ Too much trouble to change now.”

The surname mix-up happened then too. Following Hispanic naming customs, his full name was Giraldo Sablón Ruiz. But American officials made “Ruiz” his main last name, not “Sablón.”

Major League Baseball Debut and Teams

Chico Ruiz debuted in MLB on April 13, 1964, with the Cincinnati Reds at 25, after six years in the minors.

He played for two teams over eight years, including a notable trade to the California Angels in 1969.

Signing with the Cincinnati Redlegs

Ruiz signed with the Cincinnati Redlegs in 1958 at 19, making him one of the last Cuban players to leave before the revolution shut the borders.

He spent six seasons working his way up through the Reds’ farm system, hitting .275 with 28 home runs in various minor league stops.

His persistence finally paid off when he made the Cincinnati Reds roster out of spring training in 1964.

Though he started as a shortstop, Ruiz adapted to playing second and third base his rookie year.

Rookie Season Achievements

Ruiz made his Major League Baseball debut on April 13, 1964, against the Houston Colt .45s.

He played in 79 games his rookie season, exclusively at second and third base.

His most famous moment happened on September 21, 1964, against the Philadelphia Phillies. With the game tied 0-0 in the sixth, Ruiz pulled off a gutsy steal of home.

Frank Robinson was at bat with a 0-1 count. Ruiz noticed pitcher Art Mahaffey’s long windup and broke for home on the next pitch.

He scored the only run in a 1-0 win. That play sparked the Phillies’ historic collapse—they lost 10 straight after holding a 6.5-game lead.

Transition to the California Angels

After the 1969 season, the Cincinnati Reds traded Ruiz and outfielder Alex Johnson to the California Angels.

The deal included pitchers Pedro Borbón, Jim McGlothlin, and Vern Geishert.

Ruiz played his last two MLB seasons with the Angels from 1970 to 1971. Things with teammate Alex Johnson went south fast.

Even though they used to be friends, tensions exploded when Johnson claimed Ruiz pointed a gun at him in the clubhouse after a June 13, 1971 loss.

Angels management later confirmed the incident happened during Johnson’s arbitration case.

Ruiz played his final MLB game on August 3, 1971, against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Angels released him after the season during a big roster shakeup.

Career Highlights and Signature Moments

Chico Ruiz’s eight-year career produced moments that outshined his .240 batting average.

His steal of home against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1964 became legendary, and he’s the only player to ever pinch-hit for Johnny Bench.

The Legendary Steal of Home in 1964

On September 21, 1964, Ruiz made history with a gutsy steal of home that stunned the crowd.

The game was tied 0-0 in the sixth inning. Ruiz singled off Phillies pitcher Art Mahaffey.

He moved to third on a Vada Pinson single and found himself in a do-or-die spot.

With two outs and Frank Robinson at the plate, most players would have waited for Robinson to drive them in.

But Ruiz noticed Mahaffey’s slow windup and dashed for home on the next pitch.

The pitcher rushed his throw, fired a wild pitch, and catcher Clay Dalrymple couldn’t handle it. Ruiz slid in safe for the only run.

At first, people criticized the play because Robinson was batting, but later, many called it a smart move.

Ruiz’s steal gave the Reds a crucial 1-0 win late in the season.

The Curse of Chico Ruiz in Baseball Folklore

Ruiz’s steal of home became part of baseball folklore and kicked off the Philadelphia Phillies’ historic collapse.

The Phillies had a 6½-game lead with just 12 games left.

After losing to Cincinnati that night, Philadelphia just fell apart.

They lost 10 straight and finished tied for second, missing the playoffs.

Phillies third baseman Dick Allen later said the play “broke our humps.”

The epic collapse gave birth to the “Curse of Chico Ruiz” among Philly fans.

Even now, some Philadelphia fans bring up the curse when talking about the team’s bad luck.

The steal became so famous that Gregory T. Glading wrote a novel, “64 Intruder,” imagining what might have happened if Ruiz had been called out.

Pinch-Hit Appearance for Johnny Bench

Ruiz is the only player ever to pinch-hit for Johnny Bench.

This happened during his Cincinnati Reds years, between 1964 and 1969.

It’s a quirky bit of trivia, but it shows just how much managers trusted Ruiz’s versatility.

Bench went on to become one of the greatest catchers ever and the face of the Big Red Machine.

That odd moment keeps Ruiz’s name alive in baseball conversations and record books.

It’s proof that even utility players can leave a lasting legacy through unique situations.

Relationships with Teammates and Managers

Chico Ruiz was known for his friendly personality and his knack for connecting with teammates from different backgrounds.

Still, his career had its share of conflicts, most notably a serious incident with Alex Johnson that really hurt his clubhouse reputation.

Notable Friendships and Rivalries

Ruiz built strong ties with other Cuban players in the majors.

His bond with Leo Cárdenas stood out—both were Cuban shortstops, and Cincinnati teammates called them “Chico One and Chico Two” when Ruiz arrived in 1964.

Tony Pérez became another close friend. Both men were among the last Cuban talents to reach the majors before politics cut off baseball ties between the countries.

Ruiz’s claim to fame as the only player to pinch-hit for Johnny Bench speaks to the trust managers had in him.

His most infamous relationship was with Alex Johnson on the California Angels.

On June 13, 1971, Ruiz brought a gun to the clubhouse and allegedly threatened Johnson during a heated argument.

At first, both Ruiz and the Angels denied the incident, but they later admitted that wasn’t true.

That admission damaged Ruiz’s credibility with teammates and management.

Managerial Influences and Team Dynamics

Dick Walsh and Lefty Phillips managed Ruiz during his rocky final years with the Angels.

The gun incident really tested their ability to keep the clubhouse together.

Beat writer Dick Miller called Ruiz “everyone’s pal” and a “clown prince” who kept things light in the locker room.

But Miller also said Ruiz felt hurt by not being able to land a regular starting job.

Managers valued his versatility. Ruiz brought five different gloves to the ballpark, ready to play anywhere from second base to the outfield.

The way team management handled the Alex Johnson situation led to Ruiz’s demotion and eventual release after 1971.

That incident overshadowed his otherwise good relationships with most teammates and coaches during his eight-year career.

Later Career and Controversies

Ruiz’s last years in Major League Baseball included a trade to the California Angels and a serious clubhouse incident that damaged his reputation.

He quietly ended his career in 1971 after playing just 27 games that season.

Trade to California Angels

The Cincinnati Reds traded Ruiz to the California Angels in 1970. He spent his final two seasons there, getting a fresh start in the American League after six years with Cincinnati.

Ruiz mostly played as a utility infielder with the Angels. In the 1970 season, he appeared in 89 games and batted .239, but didn’t offer much offensively.

Speed still defined his game, though he managed just 7 stolen bases that year. The Angels appreciated his versatility and experience.

He covered second base, third base, and shortstop, making him a useful bench player. Ruiz also brought a veteran presence to a fairly young roster.

People around the team knew him for his friendly personality. Angels beat writer Dick Miller once called him “everyone’s pal” and highlighted his upbeat attitude in the clubhouse.

The Clubhouse Incident with Alex Johnson

On June 13, 1971, Ruiz got caught up in a serious incident with teammate Alex Johnson. The confrontation, one of baseball’s most notorious clubhouse moments, allegedly involved Ruiz waving a handgun at Johnson during a heated argument.

That season felt tense for the Angels. Johnson, who had just won the American League batting crown in 1970, clashed with teammates and management.

His behavior brought a lot of tension into the clubhouse. Ruiz denied the gun incident ever happened.

Still, the story created a major headache for the Angels organization. The team faced harsh criticism for how they handled it, and relationships inside the clubhouse suffered.

Ruiz’s reputation took a hit around baseball. Even with his denial, many believed the story, and the controversy stuck with him for the rest of his career.

Final Major League Games

Ruiz played his last Major League game on August 3, 1971, wrapping up an eight-year career. He appeared in just 27 games that season, batting .185 in limited time with the Angels.

The Johnson controversy still hung over his final season. The Angels released him after the season ended.

Ruiz had played 565 games in the majors, starting 238 of them. After his release, the Kansas City Royals signed him for 1972.

He was getting ready for spring training when tragedy struck. Only 11 days before camp, Ruiz died in a car accident in San Diego on February 9, 1972.

He was just 33 years old. Ruiz had been working out with the Salt Lake City Angels, a minor league team, to stay in shape for Kansas City.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Untimely Death

Chico Ruiz’s life off the field revolved around family and the challenges of being a Cuban exile. His sudden death at 33 ended what looked like a promising post-playing career.

People remember him for memorable moments on the field and his reputation as a beloved teammate. He brought a lot of joy to clubhouses across Major League Baseball.

Family and Personal Challenges

Ruiz married Isabel Suárez Navarro on October 4, 1961. They had two daughters, Isis and Bárbara Isa.

The family settled in the San Diego area, a place Ruiz loved after his time in the Pacific Coast League. The community made him feel at home.

Like many Cuban exiles, Ruiz struggled with separation from his homeland. He couldn’t bring his parents and mother-in-law out from under Fidel Castro’s regime, despite trying.

That distance from his family weighed on him throughout his career. His father, Julio Sablón, used to run Tabacos Hermanos Sablón, a cigar factory in Santo Domingo, Cuba.

After Castro took over, the Communist government confiscated the business. Julio later led the labor force at Cubatabaco, the state tobacco company.

Dick Miller, the Angels beat writer, described Ruiz as “everyone’s pal” and the “clown prince” who brought laughter to the clubhouse. But Miller also noticed the sadness beneath Ruiz’s cheerful exterior, comparing him to Pagliacci, the tragic clown.

Chico Ruiz’s Death and Memorials

On February 9, 1972, Ruiz died in a car accident in San Diego at just 33. The tragedy happened only 11 days before spring training.

He had recently signed with the Kansas City Royals and was gearing up for what would have been his ninth big league season. On his last day, Ruiz played for the San Diego Padres in an exhibition game against Mesa Junior College.

Padres general manager Eddie Leishman explained that the team was short-handed, so Ruiz filled in to help out. Ruiz was buried at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego, California.

His death shocked the baseball world, especially those who knew him as a lively teammate who brought energy wherever he went. The timing made it even more heartbreaking, coming just months after his final major league appearance.

He had been working toward a comeback with Kansas City when the accident ended it all.

Recognition and Legacy in Baseball History

Ruiz built his baseball legacy on his unforgettable steal of home plate on September 21, 1964, against the Philadelphia Phillies. That gutsy move scored the only run of the game and played a big part in Philadelphia’s collapse, costing them the National League pennant after a brutal ten-game losing streak.

He’s the only Major League player who ever pinch-hit for Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. That’s pretty wild, honestly, and it really shows how much managers trusted him when the pressure was on.

Ruiz didn’t post a flashy .240 career batting average, but teammates and opponents both remembered him fondly. People valued him as a skilled utility player who could handle seven different positions—every team he joined found a use for him.

Eddie Leishman of the San Diego Padres summed up Ruiz’s impact, saying he “was a great local favorite because of his hustle and enthusiasm.” Whenever Ruiz walked into the office, people just lit up.