This Day In Baseball History: Georgia Isn't The Only Place With A Run Off Election

February 16th

Learned two things today. First, Red Ruffing was a baseball player. Second, not only was he a baseball player, but he was a Hall of Famer. Third, he got selected in a run-orunofftion… On this day in 1967, Red Ruffing won a run-orunofftion after no player had met the 75% threshold. The previous year there were players voted on who were later deemed to be “ineligible”. So, when no one hit 75% in 67’, they made sure to do a runofrunoffhat eligible players had another fair shot at getting elected. This was Ruffing’s last chance on the ballot per the rules of this time. So, let us learn a little more about Red Ruffing.

Early Life and Career:

Red Ruffing was born on May 3, 1905, in Granville, Illinois. He grew up in a family of farmers, but he had a passion for baseball. He began playing for his high school team and eventually played for a semi-professional team in the area. Ruffing's early years in baseball were not easy. As a child he worked kin a coal mine with his father. During this time his left foot was crushed resulting in the loss of four toes. This effectivly ended his time as a position player.

In 1923, he signed with the Danville Veterans of the Illinois-Missouri League, and his professional career was off and running. He went on to make his debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1924 and spent five seasons with the team, pitching as both a starter and a reliever. His career took a significant turn in 1930, when the Red Sox traded him to the New York Yankees.

Career Highlights:

Ruffing's time with the Yankees was nothing short of remarkable. He was an instrumental player on some of the greatest teams in baseball history, helping the team win six World Series championships. He was known primarily for his knack of pitching in big games.

One of Ruffing's most memorable performances came in Game 4 of the 1936 World Series against the New York Giants. He pitched a complete game and allowed only two runs, leading the Yankees to a crucial victory. He went on to pitch another complete game in Game 7, clinching the championship for the Yankees. Ruffing's clutch performance earned him the World Series MVP award, and he became a fan favorite in New York.

Ruffing continued to pitch at a high level for the Yankees throughout the 1930s and into the 1940s. He was a six time All-Star and finished his career with a record of 273-225 and an ERA of 3.80. He also was a 6x World Series Champion, winning all with the New York Yankees. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967, cementing his place in baseball history.