Pilots lose top reliever to the church
Posted: Thu Oct 17, 2024 10:36 am
Sao Paulo players and fans were shocked when Pilot's closer Ivan Ruiz announced his retirement from professional baseball. After much thought and input from family and friends, he decided to hang up his cleats and and enter the missionary career to travel the world.
Ruiz led the GBC in saves last year and was in the top 3 in 5 of the last 6 years. The 30 year old right-hander from Uruguay was a fan favorite both in Uruguay and Brazil. He leaves after his 8 years of professional baseball.
"I only knew him a short time but he seemed to be a great guy and we talked to him about his decision and support him in his choice of career change", said Pilot GM Terry Kift. "He will always be welcomed here when ever he in Sao Paulo."
Ruiz led the GBC in saves last year and was in the top 3 in 5 of the last 6 years. The 30 year old right-hander from Uruguay was a fan favorite both in Uruguay and Brazil. He leaves after his 8 years of professional baseball.
"I only knew him a short time but he seemed to be a great guy and we talked to him about his decision and support him in his choice of career change", said Pilot GM Terry Kift. "He will always be welcomed here when ever he in Sao Paulo."