Player of year award caps a stellar career for Ruiz

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, June 1, 2000 | 9:44 a.m.

From the moment he first stepped on the field as Silverado's starting shortstop four years ago, Ryan Ruiz has been dazzling local baseball fans with his brilliant play in the field.

With quick hands and feet, incredible range and a strong throwing arm, Ruiz made the spectacular look routine during his career, from see-it-to-believe catches to seemingly impossible double plays.

But while his offensive game had always been solid by shortstop standards, it always suffered in comparison to his defensive exploits. That is, until his final season.

The No. 3 hitter in a potent Silverado lineup, Ruiz put it all together at the plate this year.

To cap off his career, Ruiz -- the Sun's 2000 State Player of the Year -- helped Silverado to a perfect 6-0 postseason run and the school's first 4A state title.

"From day one he's been vital to our program," Skyhawks coach Brian Whitaker said. "He's the only shortstop we've known at the position. He's going to leave some pretty big shoes to fill."

As a freshman in 1997, Ruiz stepped into the team's starting lineup and never looked back, playing every game at the position over his four years. His ninth grade campaign ended with a loss to Green Valley in the state championship contest, giving the young Skyhawks hope the title would be theirs sometime soon.

"We had a goal in mind as freshmen, and when we got all the way to the championship game we figured we'd be right back there," Ruiz said. "Instead, it took three years to get back to the state tournament."

With his newfound offensive prowess, the 5-8, 175-pound Ruiz helped make sure his club fulfilled its dream of returning to the state tournament. In 31 games, he hit .426 with five homers, eight doubles, four triples and 54 RBIs.

"He's always possessed some power, but this year he was a threat to get the ball in the gaps and over the fence," Whitaker said. "That made him awfully tough to pitch to."

Next year, Ruiz will take his game to UNLV.

Ruiz dreams of helping the Rebels return to the College World Series. For now, though, he'll bask in the glory of bringing his school its first-ever state title in a team sport.

"We're feeling really good now," Ruiz said. "We've worked hard for it. There's no better way to end your senior year."