After spending six seasons as a starter for the Phillies, Bruce Ruffin arrived in Denver as an original member of the 1993 inaugural staff. While he began his tenure in the rotation, he eventually found his true calling as a versatile relief specialist, becoming one of the most dependable late-inning arms in the franchise’s early history.
Making 12 starts in his first year in Colorado, the organization quickly realized his value was maximized in shorter, high-frequency bursts. By the 1994 season, he had fully transitioned into a high-leverage relief role, securing 16 saves and proving he could maintain his composure in the hitters' paradise of the Mile High City. He possessed a specialized, heavy slider that allowed him to neutralize left-handed hitters and stabilize a young bullpen that was still finding its identity.
His 1996 campaign stands as his professional high-water mark. That summer, Ruffin appeared in a career-high 71 games and recorded 24 saves. He finished the season with a 4.00 ERA and a career-best 1.21 WHIP, a remarkable feat given the offensive explosion occurring in Colorado during the mid-90s.
The physical toll of 12 major league seasons finally led to Ruffin’s retirement after the 1997 season. As a Rockie, Ruffin compiled 246 appearances and 60 saves while serving as a key member of the 1995 Wild Card team.
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