:Red Ruffing

{{Short description|American baseball player and coach (1905–1986)}}

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name=Red Ruffing

|image=Ruffing, Boston, 1924 LOC npcc.11179 (cropped).jpg

|image_size=250px

|caption=Ruffing in 1924

|position=Pitcher

|bats=Right

|throws=Right

|birth_date={{Birth date|1905|5|3}}

|birth_place=Granville, Illinois, U.S.

|death_date={{death date and age|1986|2|17|1905|5|3}}

|death_place=Mayfield Heights, Ohio, U.S.

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate=May 31

|debutyear=1924

|debutteam=Boston Red Sox

|finalleague = MLB

|finaldate=September 15

|finalyear=1947

|finalteam=Chicago White Sox

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label=Win–loss record

|stat1value=273–225

|stat2label=Earned run average

|stat2value=3.80

|stat3label=Strikeouts

|stat3value=1,987

|teams=

Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|1924}}–{{mlby|1930}})
New York Yankees ({{mlby|1930}}–{{mlby|1942}}, {{mlby|1945}}–{{mlby|1946}})
Chicago White Sox ({{mlby|1947}})

|highlights=

6× All-Star (1934, 1938–1942)
6× World Series champion ({{wsy|1932}}, {{wsy|1936}}–{{wsy|1939}}, {{wsy|1941}})
AL wins leader (1938)
AL strikeout leader (1932)
Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame
Monument Park honoree

|hoflink = National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

|hoftype = National

|hofdate=1967

|hofvote=86.9% (15th ballot)

}}

Charles Herbert "Red" Ruffing (May 3, 1905 – February 17, 1986) was an American professional baseball player. A pitcher, he played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1924 through 1947. He played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Chicago White Sox. Ruffing is most remembered for his time with the highly successful Yankees teams of the 1930s and 1940s.

Ruffing dropped out of school as a child to work in a coal mine in his native Illinois. He played for the mine's company baseball team as an outfielder and first baseman. After he lost four toes from his left foot in a mining accident, he became unable to run in the field, and switched to pitching. He played in minor league baseball in 1923 and 1924 before making his MLB debut with the Red Sox. After struggling with Boston, pitching to a 39–96 win–loss record, the Red Sox traded Ruffing to the Yankees, where he became successful, pitching as the Yankees' ace through 1946. After one season with the White Sox, Ruffing retired from pitching to work in coaching. He served as a bullpen coach for the White Sox, a pitching coach for the New York Mets.

Ruffing was a member of six World Series championship teams with the Yankees. He also appeared in six MLB All-Star Games. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967. The Yankees dedicated a plaque to Ruffing in Monument Park in 2004.

Early life

Charles Herbert Ruffing was born on May 3, 1905, in Granville, Illinois. He was one of five children of John and Frances Ruffing, who emigrated to the United States from Germany.{{cite web|url=http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7111866b|title=Red Ruffing|first=Warren|last=Corbett|work=SABR Biography Project|publisher=Society for American Baseball Research|access-date=September 4, 2013|archive-date=May 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510152653/https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/7111866b|url-status=live}} Ruffing was raised in Coalton and Nokomis, Illinois.{{Cite web |url=http://www.lib.niu.edu/2006/ih050622.html |title=Bases loaded: Nokomis second to none in baseball history |access-date=May 18, 2015 |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019000802/http://www.lib.niu.edu/2006/ih050622.html |url-status=live }} He went to school in Nokomis. His father was a coal miner, working in a mine in Coalton until he suffered a broken back. John became the superintendent of the mine, and also served as mayor of Coalton.

Red quit school at the age of 13 to work for his father in the mine, earning $3 per day (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|3|1918}}}} in current dollar terms), working as a coupler. Conditions in the mine were dangerous. Red's cousin, who also worked in the mine, died in an accident. He also played baseball as an outfielder and first baseman for the mine's company team, and for a semi-professional team in Nokomis.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TzwgAAAAIBAJ&pg=7234,112175&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing: A 'Rookie' In Minors at Age 65|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|page=4–B|date=June 1, 1969|access-date=September 8, 2013}}

When Ruffing was 15 years old, he suffered an accident in the mine, where his left foot was crushed between two cars. Though the doctor was able to save his foot, Red lost four toes. He was supposed to begin his professional baseball career in the Kentucky–Illinois–Tennessee League that year, but he found himself unable to run as fast as he previously could. Doc Bennett, the manager of a nearby semi-professional team, suggested that Ruffing should try to continue pursuing a baseball career by becoming a pitcher.

Professional career

=Minor leagues (1923–24)=

Bennett helped arrange for Ruffing to sign his first professional contract when he reached the age of 18. Ruffing signed with the Danville Veterans of the Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League, a minor league baseball team in the Class B designation level. With Danville, Ruffing had a 12–16 win–loss record. After pitching for Danville in the 1923 season, the Boston Red Sox purchased Ruffing from Danville for $4,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|4000|1923}}}} in current dollar terms).

The Red Sox assigned Ruffing to the Dover Senators of the Class D Eastern Shore League to pitch at the start of the 1924 season. He had a 4–7 record for Dover.

=Major leagues=

==Boston Red Sox (1924–1930)==

File:Ruffing, Boston, 1924 LOC npcc.11180 (cropped).jpg

Ruffing made his major league debut with the Red Sox on May 31, 1924. He pitched without earning a decision in over 23 innings pitched, and had a 6.65 earned run average (ERA).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1924.shtml |title=1924 Boston Red Sox Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408204728/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1924.shtml |url-status=live }} He saw regular playing time with the Red Sox over the next few years but had limited success. He had a 9–18 win–loss record with a 5.01 ERA in the 1925 season, as the Red Sox finished in last place in the eight team American League (AL).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1925.shtml |title=1925 Boston Red Sox Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408214535/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1925.shtml |url-status=live }} Ruffing had a 6–15 win–loss record and a 4.39 ERA in the 1926 season,{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1926.shtml |title=1926 Boston Red Sox Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408203230/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1926.shtml |url-status=live }} and a 5–13 win–loss record with a 4.66 ERA in the 1927 season,{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1927.shtml |title=1927 Boston Red Sox Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408203242/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1927.shtml |url-status=live }} with the Red Sox finishing in last place both years. His best season to date, in terms of earned run performance, came in 1928, when he posted a 3.89 ERA. However, he led the AL in earned runs allowed, with 125, and had a 10–25 win–loss record, which led the AL in losses.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1928-standard-pitching.shtml |title=1928 American League Standard Pitching |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308122339/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1928-standard-pitching.shtml |url-status=live }} On a positive note, he also led the AL with 25 complete games. As Ruffing had a .314 batting average during the 1928 season, the Red Sox and Ruffing considered having him shift to the outfield. The team decided against a position change due to the limitations of Ruffing's left foot.

The Red Sox chose Ruffing to be their Opening Day starting pitcher for the 1929 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballlibrary.com/teams/byyear.php?team=Boston_Red_Sox&year=1929|title=1929 Boston Red Sox|publisher=Baseball Library|access-date=September 14, 2008|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604153348/http://www.baseballlibrary.com/teams/byyear.php?team=Boston_Red_Sox&year=1929|url-status=dead}} During the 1929 season, he again led the AL in losses, with 22, and earned runs, with 135.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1929-standard-pitching.shtml |title=1929 American League Standard Pitching |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308142949/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1929-standard-pitching.shtml |url-status=live }} He won only nine games.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1929.shtml |title=1929 Boston Red Sox Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408204806/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1929.shtml |url-status=live }} Ruffing often had difficulty pitching more than five innings in a game. Someone in the Red Sox organization suggested to Ruffing that he should try to gain weight by drinking beer, which saw him grow from 185 pounds (84 kg) to 240 pounds (110 kg).

During the 1930 season, Bob Quinn, the owner of the Red Sox, was in debt and afraid he would lose the team due to foreclosure. To raise capital, he traded Ruffing to the New York Yankees for reserve outfielder Cedric Durst, $50,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|50000|1930}}}} in current dollar terms), and a $50,000 loan from Jacob Ruppert, the Yankees' owner. Ruffing ended his {{frac|5|1|2}}-year tenure with the Red Sox with a 39–96 win–loss record; his winning percentage (.289) was lower than that of the Red Sox during his tenure (.344).

==New York Yankees==

===1930–1938===

Miller Huggins, who served as the Yankees' manager through 1929, had attempted to acquire Ruffing from the Red Sox for the last couple years of his Yankees' tenure. When Ruffing told him that he was considering moving to the outfield, Huggins told him he should continue as a pitcher. Bob Shawkey, a former pitcher who succeeded Huggins as the Yankees new manager in 1930, had convinced Ed Barrow, the Yankees' general manager, to acquire Ruffing. Shawkey believed he could change Ruffing's approach to pitching to obtain better results. Shawkey worked with Ruffing to change his pitching delivery, so that Ruffing used his body more. This helped Ruffing save his arm strength for the later innings of the game.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Wt0yAAAAIBAJ&pg=4858,2150129&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Shawkey Recalls March Of History|first=Jimmy|last=Mann|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=3–C|date=February 13, 1968|access-date=September 8, 2013}} The trade of Ruffing for Durst is now reckoned as one of the most lopsided trades in baseball history; Durst was a reserve outfielder who always batted at the bottom of the lineup when he was used.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1499&dat=19380527&id=c6xQAAAAIBAJ&pg=1900,852730|title=Red Ruffing, Bought at Bargain, Worth Weight in Gold to Yankees|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|page=7|date=May 27, 1938|access-date=September 8, 2013}} The 1930 season proved to be Durst's worst year in the majors.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=19841103&id=Mt1VAAAAIBAJ&pg=6608,556732|title=What's the best trade in baseball? The worst? Reichler ranks them in 'The Baseball Trade Register'|first=Dave|last=Anderson|newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard|date=November 3, 1984|access-date=January 2, 2014}} Ruffing had a 0–3 record with the Red Sox before the trade. He won 15 games for the Yankees after the trade, losing only five games.

The Yankees chose Ruffing as their starting pitcher for Opening Day in 1931.{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/teams/1931yankees.stm |title=1931 New York Yankees |publisher=Baseball Library |access-date=September 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830045358/http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/teams/1931yankees.stm |archive-date=August 30, 2008 }} During the 1931 season, Ruffing had a 16–14 win–loss record with a 4.41 ERA. The Yankees finished the season in second place.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1931.shtml |title=1931 New York Yankees Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321060528/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1931.shtml |url-status=live }} On August 13, 1932, Ruffing threw a complete-game shutout and hit a home run in the tenth inning off of Washington Senators' pitcher Tommy Thomas to give the New York Yankees a 1–0 victory.{{cite web |url=https://baseballbiography.com/red-ruffing-1904 |title=Red Ruffing |work=baseballbiography.com |year=2012 |quote=Red Ruffing hits a HR in the 10th with two outs to beat Al Thomas of the Senators‚ 1–0. |access-date=August 7, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} Ruffing became the first pitcher in major league history to win a game 1–0, hit a home run in the game, and strike out ten or more batters. Three other pitchers have since achieved this feat: Early Wynn in 1957, Yovani Gallardo, who did it in 2009, and Noah Syndergaard, who did it on May 2, 2019.{{cite news|url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/02/one-man-show/?_r=0|date=May 2, 2009|title=One-Man Show|first=Fred|last=Bierman|at=Bats Blog|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=September 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922004526/http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/02/one-man-show/?_r=0|url-status=live}} Ruffing won 18 games during the 1932 season. He had a 3.09 ERA, second in the AL only to Lefty Grove's 2.84. Ruffing had 190 strikeouts, which led the AL.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1932-pitching-leaders.shtml |title=1932 American League Pitching Leaders |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 6, 2013 |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309060100/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1932-pitching-leaders.shtml |url-status=live }} The Yankees won their first pennant since 1928. Ruffing won his first World Series game during the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. He started Game One, and the Yankees swept the Cubs four games to zero.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1932_WS.shtml |title=1932 World Series – New York Yankees over Chicago Cubs (4–0) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 6, 2013 |archive-date=June 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622173443/http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1932_WS.shtml |url-status=live }}

Image:RedRuffingGoudeycard.jpg

Ruffing had a 9–14 win–loss record with a 3.91 ERA in the 1933 season, as the Yankees finished in second place in the AL.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1933.shtml |title=1933 New York Yankees Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425025023/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1933.shtml |url-status=live }} He threw a one-hitter on June 20, 1934, against the Cleveland Indians.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ivwtAAAAIBAJ&pg=6646,2618021&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Hurls One-Hit Ball Game: Yankees Win from Cleveland Twice, 3–2 and 3–0, Ruffing Clicking in Nightcap. Gehrig Clouts 18th; Homer in Ninth Inning Wins First Game and Gomez, Pitching Only 6 Balls, Gains 12th Victory|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Montreal Gazette|date=June 21, 1934|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225049/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ivwtAAAAIBAJ&pg=6646%2C2618021&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|url-status=live}} Two weeks later, Joe Cronin selected Ruffing for the 1934 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. At that point, he had a 9–3 win–loss record on the season.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YL5aAAAAIBAJ&pg=5092,4166801&dq=red-ruffing+all-star&hl=en|title=Managers Drop Berger, Grove and Dykes From Big League All-stars|first=Alan|last=Gould|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Evening Independent|location=St. Petersburg, Florida|page=8|date=July 3, 1934|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224950/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YL5aAAAAIBAJ&pg=5092%2C4166801&dq=red-ruffing+all-star&hl=en|url-status=live}} He finished the season with a 19–11 win–loss record, as the Yankees finished second in the AL.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1934.shtml |title=1934 New York Yankees Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411194516/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1934.shtml |url-status=live }} Ruffing pitched to a 16–11 record in the 1935 season, as the Yankees again finished second in the AL.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1935.shtml |title=1935 New York Yankees Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425025033/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1935.shtml |url-status=live }} His 3.12 ERA was third in the league, behind only Grove and Ted Lyons.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1935-pitching-leaders.shtml |title=1935 American League Pitching Leaders |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309064248/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1935-pitching-leaders.shtml |url-status=live }}

Ruffing won 20 games during the 1936 season.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=b3MjAAAAIBAJ&pg=6016,881437&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Reminisces About The Old Days|first=John|last=Connelly|newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|page=3–F|date=April 2, 1976|access-date=September 7, 2013}} In June of that year, Ruffing pitched the longest outing by a New York Yankees pitcher, logging 16 innings in a complete game win against the Cleveland Indians.{{Cite web |last=Ferenchick |first=Matt |date=2015-11-21 |title=The longest pitching performance in NYY history |url=https://www.pinstripealley.com/2015/11/21/9773526/yankees-history-red-ruffing-16-innings-indians |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=Pinstripe Alley |language=en}} His 3.85 ERA was the sixth-best in the league, and his 20 wins tied him for third place, with Johnny Allen and Wes Ferrell, behind Tommy Bridges and Vern Kennedy.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1936-pitching-leaders.shtml |title=1936 American League Pitching Leaders |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308150135/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1936-pitching-leaders.shtml |url-status=live }} He started Game One of the 1936 World Series against the New York Giants,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GHUxAAAAIBAJ&pg=6839,3357904&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing to Be Rival of Hubbell: Yankees Still Favored in Betting; Pearson Has Lame Back: All Seats Sold Out|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|page=6|date=September 29, 1936|access-date=September 6, 2013}} but lost. The Yankees defeated the Giants four games to two.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1936_WS.shtml |title=1936 World Series – New York Yankees over New York Giants (4–2) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 6, 2013 |archive-date=June 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622220949/http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1936_WS.shtml |url-status=live }} In a salary dispute with the Yankees, Ruffing did not report to spring training, and he held out at the start of the 1937 season, missing the first month. He signed in May, receiving a $15,000 salary (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|15000|1937}}}} in current dollar terms).{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=G1wbAAAAIBAJ&pg=6553,1567197&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Signs Up|agency=United Press International|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|page=35|date=May 6, 1937|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224950/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=G1wbAAAAIBAJ&pg=6553%2C1567197&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|url-status=live}} Ruffing had a 20–7 win–loss record for the Yankees in 1937.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1937.shtml |title=1937 New York Yankees Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423054250/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1937.shtml |url-status=live }} He finished with the fourth-best ERA in the league, 2.98, trailing Lefty Gomez, Monty Stratton, and Allen, and his 20 wins were second only to Gomez, who had 21.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1937-pitching-leaders.shtml |title=1937 American League Pitching Leaders |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308151827/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1937-pitching-leaders.shtml |url-status=live }} His performance earned him eighth place in AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award voting.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1937.shtml#ALmvp |title=1937 Awards Voting |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=June 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621075602/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1937.shtml#ALmvp |url-status=live }} He started Game Two in the 1937 World Series, earning the victory, as the Yankees defeated the Giants four games to one.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1937_WS.shtml |title=1937 World Series – New York Yankees over New York Giants (4–1) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=June 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622165910/http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1937_WS.shtml |url-status=live }}

The Yankees started Ruffing on Opening Day for the 1938 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/teams/1938yankees.stm |title=1938 New York Yankees |publisher=Baseball Library |access-date=September 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121235952/http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/teams/1938yankees.stm |archive-date=November 21, 2008 }} He was again named an All-Star during the 1938 season. Yankees' manager Joe McCarthy, who managed the AL team in the All-Star Game, chose teammate Lefty Gomez as the starting pitcher. As McCarthy did not believe in pitching two players from the same team in an All-Star Game, Ruffing did not appear in the game.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZVFkAAAAIBAJ&pg=1630,1847095&dq=red-ruffing+all-star&hl=en|title='Experts' Go Into Guessing Game On All-Star Lineups|agency=Associated Press|page=12A|newspaper=St. Joseph News-Press|date=July 3, 1938|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224951/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZVFkAAAAIBAJ&pg=1630%2C1847095&dq=red-ruffing+all-star&hl=en|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NLS/NLS193807060.shtml |title=July 6, 1938 All-Star Game Play-By-Play and Box Score |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=January 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130183643/http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NLS/NLS193807060.shtml |url-status=live }} He led the AL with 21 wins in the 1938 season. He also tied for the AL lead in shutouts during with three, while his 3.31 ERA was third-best in the league, behind only Grove.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1938-standard-pitching.shtml |title=1938 American League Standard Pitching |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308161232/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1938-standard-pitching.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1938-pitching-leaders.shtml |title=1938 American League Pitching Leaders |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308130445/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1938-pitching-leaders.shtml |url-status=live }} Ruffing pitched the opening game of the 1938 World Series against the Cubs.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=aSBKAAAAIBAJ&pg=6434,907201&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Ruffing Tests Ailing Arm Today; Pearson or Hildebrand May Hurl Series Opener: Injuries May Put Crimp In Yankee Series Hopes; Cincinnati Redlegs Confident as Manager McKechnie Grooms Derringer and Walters|newspaper=The Youngstown Daily Vindicator|first=Judson|last=Bailey|agency=Associated Press|page=15|date=October 3, 1939|access-date=September 6, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224951/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=aSBKAAAAIBAJ&pg=6434%2C907201&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|url-status=live}} He won two games in the series as the Yankees defeated the Cubs.{{cite web|first=Richard 'Pete'|last=Peterson|work=The Southern Illinoisan|url=http://thesouthern.com/sports/peterson-famous-redheads-in-baseball/article_42b254c2-0947-11e3-b5b9-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Peterson: Famous redheads in baseball|date=August 20, 2013|access-date=September 6, 2013|archive-date=February 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226162053/https://thesouthern.com/sports/peterson-famous-redheads-in-baseball/article_42b254c2-0947-11e3-b5b9-0019bb2963f4.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1938_WS.shtml |title=1938 World Series – New York Yankees over Chicago Cubs (4–0) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 6, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407161046/https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1938_WS.shtml |url-status=live }} Ruffing finished fourth in AL MVP voting for the 1938 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1938.shtml#ALmvp |title=1938 Awards Voting |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=February 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209013025/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1938.shtml#ALmvp |url-status=live }}

===1939–1946===

McCarthy named Ruffing to be the starting pitcher for the Yankees on Opening Day in 1939.{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/teams/1939yankees.stm |title=1939 New York Yankees |publisher=Baseball Library |access-date=September 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022122703/http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/teams/1939yankees.stm |archive-date=October 22, 2008 }} McCarthy, managing the AL All-Star team that year, also selected Ruffing as his starter for the 1939 MLB All-Star Game.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pttPAAAAIBAJ&pg=4039,6789808&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Six Yankees To Start in All-Star Game: World Series Preview Seen For Stadium, McCarthy Picks Ruffing To Start Game in Surprise Move|first=Gayle|last=Talbot|agency=Associated Press|page=8|newspaper=The Evening Independent|location=St. Petersburg, Florida|date=July 10, 1939|access-date=September 6, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225013/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pttPAAAAIBAJ&pg=4039%2C6789808&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|url-status=live}} He missed several weeks late in the 1939 season due to an arm injury, but managed to start Game One of the 1939 World Series. He defeated the Cincinnati Redlegs in that game, and the Yankees won the series in a four-game sweep.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1939_WS.shtml |title=1939 World Series – New York Yankees over Cincinnati Reds (4–0) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=June 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622151259/http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1939_WS.shtml |url-status=live }} Ruffing won 21 games during the 1939 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1939.shtml |title=1939 New York Yankees Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425025052/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1939.shtml |url-status=live }} His four shutouts in the 1939 season again tied him for the AL lead, while he finished second in wins behind Bob Feller, and fourth in ERA (2.93) behind Grove, Lyons, and Feller.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1939-pitching-leaders.shtml |title=1939 American League Pitching Leaders |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 8, 2013 |archive-date=March 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310141558/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1939-pitching-leaders.shtml |url-status=live }} He finished fifth in the balloting for the AL MVP.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1939.shtml#ALmvp |title=1939 Awards Voting |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=February 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202094840/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1939.shtml#ALmvp |url-status=live }}

Ruffing was the Yankees' Opening Day starting pitcher in 1940.{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/teams/1940yankees.stm |title=1940 New York Yankees |publisher=Baseball Library |access-date=September 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724013609/http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/teams/1940yankees.stm |archive-date=July 24, 2008 }} He was named to the 1940 All-Star team, and Cronin, acting as manager, selected Ruffing as his starting pitcher.{{cite news |date=July 9, 1940 |title=Red Ruffing to Start All-Star Game Against Derringer or Walters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-red-ruffing-to-start-al/165869212/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |newspaper=Daily Boston Globe |pages=20 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NLS/NLS194007090.shtml |title=July 9, 1940 All-Star Game Play-By-Play and Box Score |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=January 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130195625/http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NLS/NLS194007090.shtml |url-status=live }} Ruffing finished the season with a 15–12 win–loss record.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1940.shtml |title=1940 New York Yankees Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425025121/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1940.shtml |url-status=live }} Ruffing was a member of the 1941 All-Star team as well, but he did not pitch in the game.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ALS/ALS194107080.shtml |title=July 8, 1941 All-Star Game Play-By-Play and Box Score |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901142248/http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ALS/ALS194107080.shtml |url-status=live }} He had a 15–6 win–loss record during the 1941 season, and was named the starting pitcher for Game One of the 1941 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Lq5WAAAAIBAJ&pg=3174,4273167&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Named Starting Pitcher|agency=United Press International|date=September 30, 1941|newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard|page=8|access-date=September 6, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224951/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Lq5WAAAAIBAJ&pg=3174%2C4273167&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|url-status=live}} Ruffing defeated the Dodgers, as the Yankees won the series four games to one.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1941_WS.shtml |title=1941 World Series – New York Yankees over Brooklyn Dodgers (4–1) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=June 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625100001/http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1941_WS.shtml |url-status=live }}

File:Red Ruffing ATC 1943.jpg baseball uniform during World War II.]]

Ruffing pitched for the Yankees during Opening Day of the 1942 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/teams/1942yankees.stm |title=1942 New York Yankees |publisher=Baseball Library |access-date=September 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830051001/http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/teams/1942yankees.stm |archive-date=August 30, 2008 }} That year, he compiled a 14–7 win–loss record. He was again named an All-Star, and again did not pitch in the All-Star Game, which was started by teammate Spud Chandler.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NLS/NLS194207060.shtml |title=July 6, 1942 All-Star Game Play-By-Play and Box Score |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021093116/http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NLS/NLS194207060.shtml |url-status=live }} Though teammate Tiny Bonham had a better season, pitching to a 21–5 win–loss record, McCarthy again chose Ruffing as his Game One starter for the 1942 World Series,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=z1gyAAAAIBAJ&pg=2625,1952084&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=McCarthy's Mound Choice Justified By Red Ruffing|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Palm Beach Post|page=9|date=October 1, 1942|access-date=September 8, 2013}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7aYiAAAAIBAJ&pg=3681,7052547&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Named To Pitch First Game of World Series|newspaper=The Daily Times|location=Beaver and Rochester, Pennsylvania|page=1|date=September 30, 1942|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224952/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7aYiAAAAIBAJ&pg=3681%2C7052547&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|url-status=live}} setting a record with six World Series Game One starts that stood until Whitey Ford started his seventh Game One in the 1963 World Series.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ErorAAAAIBAJ&pg=6686,2613189&dq=red-ruffing+whitey-ford&hl=en|title=Whitey Ford to Break Own Records in Series Opener|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Telegraph|location=Nashua, New Hampshire|page=8|date=September 28, 1963|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225013/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ErorAAAAIBAJ&pg=6686%2C2613189&dq=red-ruffing+whitey-ford&hl=en|url-status=live}} Ruffing defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in Game One, his seventh World Series victory. This set a record that was surpassed by Ford in 1960. Ruffing pitched again in the Game Five, with the Yankees down three games to one. Ruffing lost the game, as the Cardinals defeated the Yankees to win the series.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1942_WS.shtml |title=1942 World Series – St. Louis Cardinals over New York Yankees (4–1) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 6, 2013 |archive-date=June 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622165915/http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1942_WS.shtml |url-status=live }}

After the 1942 season, Ruffing took a job with Vultee Aircraft, a defense contractor. Despite his age (37) and missing toes, a United States Army doctor certified Ruffing as Class 1-B in the Selective Service System, overruled Ruffing's personal physician, who had ruled Ruffing unfit for service. The Army decided that Ruffing could serve in a non-combat role.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FcRRAAAAIBAJ&pg=6062,316293&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Yankees Lose Red Ruffing, Army Inducts Star Hurler: Loss of Four Toes in Youth Prevents Classification in I-A|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|page=17|date=December 30, 1942|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224952/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FcRRAAAAIBAJ&pg=6062%2C316293&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|url-status=live}} Ruffing missed the 1943 and 1944 seasons due to his service during World War II. He served in the Sixth Ferrying Group of the Air Transport Command of the United States Army Air Forces at the rank of private. However, he did pitch for the Air Transport Command's baseball team, throwing a perfect game against Joe DiMaggio's team,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nqYiAAAAIBAJ&pg=4803,1414277&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Hurls No-Hit, No-Run Game|agency=United Press International|page=9|newspaper=The Daily Times|date=July 23, 1943|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224953/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nqYiAAAAIBAJ&pg=4803%2C1414277&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|url-status=live}} and leading his team to the championship against Ted Lyons' team.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qdMbAAAAIBAJ&pg=6549,694935&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Helps Win Coast Title|agency=United Press International|page=18|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=October 11, 1943|access-date=September 8, 2013}} In 1944, he played with an All-Star team for troops stationed in Hawaii.

Ruffing turned 40 years of age during the war, resulting in his discharge in June 1945.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bTMdAAAAIBAJ&pg=1569,1901516&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Gets Army Discharge|agency=Associated Press|page=1|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|date=June 5, 1945|access-date=September 8, 2013}}{{Cite news |date=1945-06-09 |title=Ruffing Works Out With Yanks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-the-picture-paper-ruffing-works-o/165870144/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Times, the Picture Paper |page=16 |publication-place=Minneapolis, Minnesota |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}} He rejoined the Yankees that month, signing for the same $20,000 salary (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|20000|1945}}}} in current dollar terms) he earned in 1942.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Jr8wAAAAIBAJ&pg=6847,596425&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Rejoins Yankees For Western Trip; Gets $20,000|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=19|date=June 24, 1945|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225018/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Jr8wAAAAIBAJ&pg=6847%2C596425&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|url-status=live}} He made his first appearance with the Yankees since the 1942 season in July 1945.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3PAZAAAAIBAJ&pg=6026,4208782&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Wins in Comeback Effort: Yank Veteran Makes First Start Since 1942 Series and Beats A's by 13–4 Score|agency=Associated Press|page=9|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|date=July 26, 1945|access-date=September 8, 2013}} Pitching for the Yankees as a spot starter in 1946, he had a 5–1 win–loss record and a 1.77 ERA when he suffered a broken kneecap from a line drive hit by Hank Majeski, and missed the remainder of the season.

In total, Ruffing won 231 games with the Yankees. This mark was the most in franchise history, until Ford surpassed it in 1965.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FmJPAAAAIBAJ&pg=3733,4429681&dq=red-ruffing+whitey-ford&hl=en|title=Whitey Ford Nips Chisox|agency=Associated Press|page=21|newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner|date=September 12, 1965|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225116/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FmJPAAAAIBAJ&pg=3733%2C4429681&dq=red-ruffing+whitey-ford&hl=en|url-status=live}} He remains the winningest right-handed pitcher in Yankees' history.

==Chicago White Sox (1947)==

Suffering from recurrent knee injuries, the Yankees released Ruffing after the 1946 season. He signed with the Chicago White Sox for the 1947 season,{{Cite news |date=1946-12-06 |title=White Sox Sign Red Ruffing; Send Platt to Toledo Club |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-white-sox-sign-red-ruffi/165870887/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Chicago Daily Tribune |page=39 |via=Newspapers.com}} but continued to be limited by his knee. In May, the White Sox removed Ruffing from their active roster after he was hit in his bad knee with another line drive.{{Cite news |date=1947-05-09 |title='Red' Ruffing Dropped From List Of Active Players By White Sox |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hartford-courant-red-ruffing-dropped-f/165871112/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The Hartford Courant |page=19 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=United Press}} He rejoined the White Sox' active roster in July.{{cite news |date=July 12, 1947 |title=Red Ruffing Rejoins Chisox Active List |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/516008979 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130110/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/csmonitor_historic/doc/516008979.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Jul%2012,%201947&author=&pub=Christian%20Science%20Monitor&edition=&startpage=&desc=Red%20Ruffing%20Rejoins%20Chisox%20Active%20List |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=September 7, 2013 |newspaper=Christian Science Monitor |page=14 |agency=Associated Press}} He pitched to a 3–5 win–loss record and a 6.11 ERA in nine games pitched on the season.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/1947.shtml |title=1947 Chicago White Sox Batting, Pitching, & Fielding Statistics |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308122452/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/1947.shtml |url-status=live }} Ruffing retired after the 1947 season.

==Career summary==

Ruffing threw a fastball, a "sharp" curveball, and a slider.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7FfRLE6I5EEC&q=red+ruffing&pg=PA367|title=The Neyer/James Guide to Pitchers: An Historical Compendium of Pitching, Pitchers, and Pitches|first1=Bill|last1=James|author-link1=Bill James|first2=Rob|last2=Neyer|author-link2=Rob Neyer|publisher=Simon & Schuster|year=2008|page=367|isbn=978-1439103777|access-date=September 7, 2013}} According to AL umpire Bill Summers, "[O]n account of Red Ruffing, the slider got to be the thing." Joe Paparella, also an AL umpire, said "The first game I ever worked behind the plate in the major leagues was against the guy who invented the slider and had the best slider ever seen — Red Ruffing".

Ruffing finished his career with 273 wins, 225 losses, 1,987 strikeouts and a 3.80 ERA. He also had 16 saves. Ruffing compiled 335 complete games in his 536 games started.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wu1cJHb4yo0C&q=red+ruffing&pg=PA89|title=Beating the Breaks: Major League Ballplayers who Overcame Disabilities|first=Rick|last=Swaine|page=94|publisher=McFarland & Company|year=2004|isbn=0786481951|access-date=January 2, 2014|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225019/https://books.google.com/books?id=wu1cJHb4yo0C&q=red+ruffing&pg=PA89|url-status=live}}

A combination of his extensive career workload, the offense-heavy era he pitched in, poor early ERAs prior to a mid-career change in his delivery, and the fact he pitched his entire 22-year career in a single league, Ruffing holds the AL record for most runs and earned runs allowed.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/season_finder.cgi?type=p#gotresults&as=result_pitcher&offset=0&sum=1&min_year_season=1901&max_year_season=2011&min_season=1&max_season=-1&min_age=0&max_age=99&lg_ID=lgAL&lgAL_team=tmAny&lgNL_team=tmAny&lgFL_team=tmAny&lgAA_team=tmAny&lgPL_team=tmAny&lgUA_team=tmAny&lgNA_team=tmAny&isActive=either&isHOF=either&isAllstar=either&throws=any&role=anyrole&games_started=60&games_relieved=80&qualifiersSeason=nomin&minIpValS=162&minDecValS=14&mingamesValS=40&qualifiersCareer=nomin&minIpValC=1000&minDecValC=100&mingamesValC=200&orderby=ER&order_by_asc=1&layout=full&c1criteria=ER&c1gtlt=gt&c1val=1500&c2criteria=&c2gtlt=eq&c2val=0&c3criteria=&c3gtlt=eq&c3val=0&c4criteria=&c4gtlt=eq&c4val=0&c5criteria=&c5gtlt=eq&c5val=1.0&c6criteria=&location=pob&locationMatch=is&pob=&pod=&pcanada=&pusa=&ajax=1&submitter=1&z=1 |title=Spanning Multiple Seasons or entire Careers, Playing in the AL, From 1901 to 2011, sorted by smallest Earned Runs |work=Baseball-Reference.com |year=2012 |access-date=August 7, 2012 |archive-date=October 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027163916/http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/season_finder.cgi?type=p#gotresults&as=result_pitcher&offset=0&sum=1&min_year_season=1901&max_year_season=2011&min_season=1&max_season=-1&min_age=0&max_age=99&lg_ID=lgAL&lgAL_team=tmAny&lgNL_team=tmAny&lgFL_team=tmAny&lgAA_team=tmAny&lgPL_team=tmAny&lgUA_team=tmAny&lgNA_team=tmAny&isActive=either&isHOF=either&isAllstar=either&throws=any&role=anyrole&games_started=60&games_relieved=80&qualifiersSeason=nomin&minIpValS=162&minDecValS=14&mingamesValS=40&qualifiersCareer=nomin&minIpValC=1000&minDecValC=100&mingamesValC=200&orderby=ER&order_by_asc=1&layout=full&c1criteria=ER&c1gtlt=gt&c1val=1500&c2criteria=&c2gtlt=eq&c2val=0&c3criteria=&c3gtlt=eq&c3val=0&c4criteria=&c4gtlt=eq&c4val=0&c5criteria=&c5gtlt=eq&c5val=1.0&c6criteria=&location=pob&locationMatch=is&pob=&pod=&pcanada=&pusa=&ajax=1&submitter=1&z=1 |url-status=live }} This belies the fact that he finished in the Top 10 in the AL in ERA for eight consecutive years after mastering his new delivery, finishing 2nd twice and 3rd and 4th once each between 1932 and 1940. This two second-place finishes were to Hall of Famer Lefty Grove, who dominated the 1930s with seven league leads during the decade en route to his all-time AL record of nine. So high were ERAs during the 1932-1940 span that three times Grove was the only pitcher to better a 3.00 ERA, and once, in 1938, no AL pitcher did, Grove leading the league a 3.08.https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1938-pitching-leaders.shtml {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308130445/https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1938-pitching-leaders.shtml |date=March 8, 2021 }} 1938 AL Pitching Leaders, baseball-reference.com

Ruffing was an excellent hitter for a pitcher, good enough to frequently be called on to pinch hit and even play the outfield in emergency situations.{{cite news |last=Kieran |first=John |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/04/28/archives/sports-of-the-times-more-merrymaking-on-the-diamond.html |title=Sports of the Times – More Merrymaking on the Diamond |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 28, 1931 |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722190210/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/04/28/archives/sports-of-the-times-more-merrymaking-on-the-diamond.html |url-status=live }} His 36 home runs as a pitcher are fourth behind Ferrell, Warren Spahn, and Bob Lemon.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/sports/baseball/31vecsey.html|title=Sports of the Times: Phillies Pitchers of Old Revel in Past and Present|first=George|last=Vecsey|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 30, 2009|access-date=October 3, 2013|archive-date=April 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417023949/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/sports/baseball/31vecsey.html|url-status=live}} He hit over .300 in eight different seasons, batting .269 overall with 521 hits in 1,937 career at-bats.

Coaching career

After he retired from pitching, Ruffing stayed with the White Sox organization to instruct their players. The White Sox named Ruffing the manager of their Class A minor league affiliate, the Muskegon Clippers of the Central League, for the 1949 season.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6S5PAAAAIBAJ&pg=4329,5438169&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing Will Pilot Muskegon|agency=International News Service|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=19|date=December 2, 1948|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225019/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6S5PAAAAIBAJ&pg=4329%2C5438169&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|url-status=live}} That season, the Clippers finished in fifth place out of six teams.{{cite news |first=Dave |last=LeMieux |work=Muskegon Chronicle |url=http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/04/lookback_april_9.html |title=Lookback: Muskegon's own baseball Golden Age |publisher=MLive.com |date=April 9, 2012 |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305143248/http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/04/lookback_april_9.html |url-status=live }} In 1950, Ruffing managed the Daytona Beach Islanders of the Florida State League, a Cleveland Indians' affiliate.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NHQoAAAAIBAJ&pg=5204,4791284&dq=red-ruffing+daytona-beach&hl=en|title=Ruffing? Yes, Indeed!|first=Fred|last=Langworthy|newspaper=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|page=8|date=February 23, 1950|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225019/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NHQoAAAAIBAJ&pg=5204%2C4791284&dq=red-ruffing+daytona-beach&hl=en|url-status=live}}

When Al Simmons retired from his coaching position with the Indians just before the 1951 season due to his failing health, bullpen coach Jake Flowers was moved to the third base coaching position, and Ruffing took over Flowers's duties.{{Cite news |date=1951-04-06 |title=Red Ruffing Appointed By Greenberg To Replace Simmons As Tribe Coach |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hartford-courant-red-ruffing-appointed-b/165871372/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Hartford Courant |page=19 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |date=1951-04-05 |title=Red Ruffing Named to Simmons' Berth as Cleveland Coach |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/title/hneusynynmrywzorkhdufwcwbzjbhkjw_ip-10-166-46-107_1739759938872 |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=Milwaukee Journal |page=90 |via=GenealogyBank.com |agency=Associated Press}} From 1952 through 1961, Ruffing was a player personnel executive for the Indians. Ruffing returned to the baseball field serving as pitching coach for the expansion New York Mets in 1962,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cjJaAAAAIBAJ&pg=2935,3833858&dq=red-ruffing+mets&hl=en|title=Ruffing, Mets' Pitching Coach, Faces Big Task|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=St. Joseph's Gazette|page=8|date=March 13, 1962|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225020/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cjJaAAAAIBAJ&pg=2935%2C3833858&dq=red-ruffing+mets&hl=en|url-status=live}} which were run by George Weiss, the general manager, and Casey Stengel, the manager. Weiss and Stengel had held the same positions with the Yankees during Ruffing's tenure. As a team, the Mets had a 5.04 ERA across the 1962 season, which was the worst in the major leagues. The job also involved scouting duties, which Ruffing did not like, and he retired shortly after the season ended. He returned to baseball again for the 1969 season, at the request of former teammate Don Heffner, who was managing the Denver Bears of the American Association. Ruffing served as Heffner's pitching coach.

Personal life

File:Red Ruffing and his wife Pauline (cropped).jpg in 1939.]]

Ruffing married Pauline Mulholland, a native of Chicago, at the end of the 1934 season. The couple settled in Long Beach, California.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_LwhAAAAIBAJ&pg=5962,2377093&dq=red-ruffing+pauline&hl=en|title=Huggins' Advice and Beer Helped Red Ruffing Remain in Baseball: Yankee Pitching Star Was Ready to Resign After Early Losses|first=Judson|last=Bailey|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Reading Eagle|page=15|date=September 13, 1942|access-date=September 7, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225045/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_LwhAAAAIBAJ&pg=5962%2C2377093&dq=red-ruffing+pauline&hl=en|url-status=live}} When he worked for the Indians in the 1950s, the Ruffing family relocated to Cleveland. The couple had a son, named Charles Jr.

Ruffing suffered a stroke in 1974, at the age of 68, which left him paralyzed on his left side. As a result, he used a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MepBAAAAIBAJ&pg=3625,1010003&dq=red-ruffing+pauline&hl=en|title=Red Ruffing still a giant at heart despite confinement to wheel chair|agency=United Press International|newspaper=The Telegraph-Herald|location=Dubuque, Iowa|page=9|date=August 8, 1977|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225020/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MepBAAAAIBAJ&pg=3625%2C1010003&dq=red-ruffing+pauline&hl=en|url-status=live}} This was Ruffing's second stroke, and he also suffered from kidney and heart problems. He contracted skin cancer, necessitating the partial amputation of one of his ears. He died on February 17, 1986, at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, of heart failure.{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB727E8E6B4DD8D&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|newspaper=San Jose Mercury News|date=February 20, 1986|page=2G|title=Former Yankees Great Ruffing Dead at 80|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224082912/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB727E8E6B4DD8D&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=live}}{{subscription required|date=September 2013}}

Honors

In balloting for the National Baseball Hall of Fame following his retirement, Ruffing often received votes from approximately 50% of the voters in the Baseball Writers' Association of America, short of the 75% required for induction. Bob Feller wrote an article in The Saturday Evening Post in 1962, calling Ruffing, Satchel Paige, and Luke Appling the three most deserving players who had yet to be elected. The 1967 balloting was Ruffing's final year of eligibility, as he had retired 20 years prior. Ruffing finished with 212 votes, tied with Joe Medwick for the highest vote count, but was still seven votes short of the 219 required for induction.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HapVAAAAIBAJ&pg=5298,5611253&dq=red-ruffing&hl=en|title=Hall of Fame Rejects Red Ruffing, Medwick|agency=Associated Press|page=1C|newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard|date=January 26, 1967|access-date=September 6, 2013}} However, a runoff election held the next month saw Ruffing elected to the Hall of Fame.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NyUxAAAAIBAJ&pg=6845,3799809&hl=en|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|title=Recovering a Hall of Fame Fumble|first=Arthur|last=Daley|date=February 17, 1967|location=St. Petersburg, Florida|page=2–C|access-date=August 7, 2012|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225021/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NyUxAAAAIBAJ&pg=6845%2C3799809&hl=en|url-status=live}}

During an Old-Timers' Day ceremony held on July 10, 2004, at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees dedicated a plaque in Ruffing's memory. The plaque is displayed in Monument Park.{{cite news|first=David |last=Moses |work=MLB.com |url=http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040710&content_id=794774&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy |title=Ruffing finally gets his plaque |date=July 10, 2004 |access-date=August 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403010041/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040710&content_id=794774&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy |archive-date=April 3, 2012 }} ESPN.com ranked Ruffing as the ninth greatest Yankee of all time.{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/newyork/photos/gallery/_/id/6221106/image/43/9-red-ruffing-espn-ny-50-greatest-yankees |title=9. Red Ruffing – ESPN NY – 50 Greatest Yankees – ESPN |work=ESPN.com |date=July 18, 1999 |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=July 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713180816/http://espn.go.com/newyork/photos/gallery/_/id/6221106/image/43/9-red-ruffing-espn-ny-50-greatest-yankees |url-status=live }}

A museum in Nokomis, Illinois, the Bottomley-Ruffing-Schalk Museum, is dedicated to Ruffing and fellow Hall of Famers Ray Schalk and Jim Bottomley.{{cite web |last=Kane |first=Dave |url=http://www.galesburg.com/news/news_state/x576544733/Towns-baseball-ties-on-display-at-museum |title=Town's baseball ties on display at museum |location=Galesburg, Illinois |work=The Register-Mail |date=October 8, 2009 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123141914/http://www.galesburg.com/news/news_state/x576544733/Towns-baseball-ties-on-display-at-museum |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}

In 2013, the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award honored Ruffing as one of 37 Baseball Hall of Fame members for his service in the United States Army Air Force during World War II.{{Cite web |url=https://actofvaloraward.org/hof-players/ |title=WWII HOF Players – Act of Valor Award |access-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008204152/https://actofvaloraward.org/hof-players/ |url-status=live }}

References

External links

{{bbhof|ruffing-red}}
{{baseballstats |mlb= |espn= |br=r/ruffire01 |fangraphs=1011296 |brm=ruffin001cha}}
[https://cdm16014.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4014coll27/id/32/rec/20 Interview with baseball player Charley Ruffing (sound recording)] by Eugene C. Murdock on Sep. 15, 1974, in Beachwood, Ohio (60 min.). Available on Cleveland Public Library's Digital Gallery.
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