Panthers Sign Veteran Outfielder Humberto Ruiz
KITCHENER - The Kitchener Panthers are pleased to announce the signing of veteran outfielder, Humberto Ruiz for the 2023 season.
The 34-year-old Cuban-born outfielder previously spent five seasons with the London Majors, compiling a .295 average, 54 RBI, and 48 stolen bases in 152 games played. After sitting out this past season, Ruiz will be looking to regain his form from 2021 where he was a key contributor in the London Majors’ championship victory. After posting a .400 batting average in the regular season as the Majors’ 3-hole hitter, Ruiz picked up 6 RBI and a .345 average in 7 postseason games.
Ruiz made headlines for his performance in game 3 of the IBL finals going 4 for 4 with 3 RBI and making a highlight reel catch at the wall, robbing a two run home run off the bat of Sean Reilly en route to a 6-4 victory. He finished the series with 3 multi-hit games and a .444 average.
Ruiz, recently granted Canadian citizenship, counts as a domestic player on the roster and is sure to mesh well with the four soon-to-be-announced Cuban import players joining the Panthers for the 2023 campaign.
Known for his great work ethic, Ruiz will complement a talented local core and be able to offer championship experience and leadership. He will join an already strong outfield which will benefit from a veteran presence and the additional depth that this move provides.
Panthers General Manager, Mike Boehmer, comments; “We are very pleased to sign IBL veteran Humberto Ruiz for the 2023 season. Humberto will help us both at the plate and in the field. He played a key role in London’s 2021 IBL Championship and will bring veteran leadership to our team”.
Photo Credit: Matt Hiscox