From Charlie Ruud's Facebook Fanclub, a posting from Charlie:
I've got tough news to report and hard news to swallow as I write this update for this week. After yet another mediocre outing by me on the mound on
Friday evening going 5 innings, giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits with 2 strike-outs and 1 walk and getting no decision in the eventual 10-5 Saints loss,
Saints manager George Tsamis called me into the office early Saturday morning and notified me that he and the Saints have decided to let me go as a pitcher
for the team. I was told that the main factors in the decision were my lack-luster performance on the field for the extent of this year combined with the
stress of my salary in regards to the salary cap.
My stats on the year stand as follows: 4 wins, 3 losses, with a 4.72 ERA, in 13 appearances which include 12 starts. 61 IP, 86 H, 39 R, 32 ER, 3 HR, 2 WP, 27 BB, 29 SO, 2 HB, and a .333 BAA.
The official press release reports that I have announced my retirement in professional baseball. It can be found at this link: http://www.saintsbaseball. com/news/saintsnews/index.html?article_id=1038
The Saints, however, have offered me a position to stay on staff as a coach for the remainder of the season. Since the team has an off day today and a road trip to the south division the rest of this week with the all-star break to follow, they have allowed me to stay home, spend some time with family, and take some time to think about their offer.
I don't exactly know what else to say at this point. As you might imagine this is a difficult pill to swallow if not a bit sudden. I am certainly grateful for the career that I've been able to have and so thankful to all of you who have taken interest and supported me over the last 4 1/2 years.
As I've said from time to time, there is no grace in baseball, and this continues to hold true. We can all be thankful that true grace is found elsewhere.
"Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
-Matthew 11:28
Charlie
I was wondering if this was coming as it seems like he was a 6 inning pitcher at best this season. Makes me wonder if he was ever healthy from his arm injury last season. As a Saints fan, he was a true pleasure to watch. A poor mans Greg Maddux (found out from friends of his that Maddux is an idol of his) he gave the Saints a great effort every time out regardless of result. Thanks Charlie and best of luck in your future endeavors.
My stats on the year stand as follows: 4 wins, 3 losses, with a 4.72 ERA, in 13 appearances which include 12 starts. 61 IP, 86 H, 39 R, 32 ER, 3 HR, 2 WP, 27 BB, 29 SO, 2 HB, and a .333 BAA.
The official press release reports that I have announced my retirement in professional baseball. It can be found at this link: http://www.saintsbaseball.
The Saints, however, have offered me a position to stay on staff as a coach for the remainder of the season. Since the team has an off day today and a road trip to the south division the rest of this week with the all-star break to follow, they have allowed me to stay home, spend some time with family, and take some time to think about their offer.
I don't exactly know what else to say at this point. As you might imagine this is a difficult pill to swallow if not a bit sudden. I am certainly grateful for the career that I've been able to have and so thankful to all of you who have taken interest and supported me over the last 4 1/2 years.
As I've said from time to time, there is no grace in baseball, and this continues to hold true. We can all be thankful that true grace is found elsewhere.
"Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
-Matthew 11:28
Charlie
I was wondering if this was coming as it seems like he was a 6 inning pitcher at best this season. Makes me wonder if he was ever healthy from his arm injury last season. As a Saints fan, he was a true pleasure to watch. A poor mans Greg Maddux (found out from friends of his that Maddux is an idol of his) he gave the Saints a great effort every time out regardless of result. Thanks Charlie and best of luck in your future endeavors.

