Chico Ruiz
Encyclopedia
Hiraldo Ruiz Sablon was a professional baseball player who played as an infielder
in the Major Leagues from -. He would play for the Cincinnati Reds
(1964–69) and California Angels (1970–71).
He is the only Major League player ever to pinch-hit for Johnny Bench
. Bench went 0-for-3 in his Major League debut on August 28, 1967, before Ruiz pinch hit for him in the 9th inning with a runner on second base. The Reds lost to the Philadelphia Phillies
, 3-2.
In a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 21, 1964, Chico Ruiz stole home with Frank Robinson
batting for the game's only run. At the time, the Phillies had a -game hold on first place with just twelve games to play. The Phillies then proceeded to lose ten straight games and finish tied for second place. Phillies third baseman Dick Allen
stated in "Crash, The Life and Times of Dick Allen," by Tim Whitaker, that the play "broke our humps." Chico Ruiz's steal of home has evolved into a popular culture legend. Some Philadelphia sports fans still refer to the "Curse of Chico Ruiz" as the reason for many of their teams' misfortunes. A Novel titled '64 Intruder by Gregory T. Glading centers on what might have happened had Chico Ruiz been called out on the play.
Chico Ruiz died when he drove his car into a sign pole while driving alone outside of San Diego during the early morning hours of February 9, 1972.
Infielder
An infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
in the Major Leagues from -. He would play for the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
(1964–69) and California Angels (1970–71).
He is the only Major League player ever to pinch-hit for Johnny Bench
Johnny Bench
Johnny Lee Bench is a former professional baseball catcher who played in the Major Leagues for the Cincinnati Reds from 1967 to 1983 and is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame...
. Bench went 0-for-3 in his Major League debut on August 28, 1967, before Ruiz pinch hit for him in the 9th inning with a runner on second base. The Reds lost to the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, 3-2.
In a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 21, 1964, Chico Ruiz stole home with Frank Robinson
Frank Robinson
Frank Robinson , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He played from 1956–1976, most notably for the Cincinnati Reds and the Baltimore Orioles. He is the only player to win league MVP honors in both the National and American Leagues...
batting for the game's only run. At the time, the Phillies had a -game hold on first place with just twelve games to play. The Phillies then proceeded to lose ten straight games and finish tied for second place. Phillies third baseman Dick Allen
Dick Allen
Richard Anthony Allen is a former Major League Baseball player and R&B singer. He played first and third base and outfield in Major League Baseball and ranked among his sport's top offensive producers of the 1960s and early 1970s...
stated in "Crash, The Life and Times of Dick Allen," by Tim Whitaker, that the play "broke our humps." Chico Ruiz's steal of home has evolved into a popular culture legend. Some Philadelphia sports fans still refer to the "Curse of Chico Ruiz" as the reason for many of their teams' misfortunes. A Novel titled '64 Intruder by Gregory T. Glading centers on what might have happened had Chico Ruiz been called out on the play.
Chico Ruiz died when he drove his car into a sign pole while driving alone outside of San Diego during the early morning hours of February 9, 1972.