A higher calling for a retired Saint

Jerry Holt, Dml - Star Tribune Star Tribune

Saints pitcher Charlie Ruud

Saints pitcher Charlie Ruud is going to become an associate pastor.

By MICHAEL RAND, star Tribune

Last update: July 15, 2009 - 7:58 AM

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Like almost every ballplayer, St. Paul Saints pitcher Charlie Ruud hoped his talents might someday take him to the top league in the world -- the Majors.

Instead, as Ruud's performance this season diminished, he is headed for a higher calling.

Ruud, the independent Saints' all-time career leader in victories (36), strikeouts (300) and innings pitched (458), retired Monday in the midst of a year that saw his ERA rise to 4.72. In September, he will move into his new role: associate pastor at Bethel Lutheran church in Northfield.

For several years, he's balanced both of his callings. In 2005, he made an emergency start for the Saints after being plucked from a tryout camp. He wound up winning the game and pitching full seasons for the Saints from 2006-08. Concurrently, he pursued a Masters of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul -- which he earned last offseason.

"I feel I've had passions and talents in both those occupations," Ruud, 27, said Tuesday. "There have been times where it's been hard to balance, but it's been worth it to put up with the struggle. It's been amazing. I feel very blessed and fortunate to be able to do both."

Thinking of Ruud might bring about images of the proselytizing minor leaguer from the film "Bull Durham." Ruud, though, said he was careful to maintain a distinction between his two worlds.

"In the clubhouse, I'm just a player like everyone else. My job is to pitch well," he said. "At the same time, guys knew who I was, and I wasn't bashful about telling them I was going to be a pastor. The main thing that took place was just a lot of great conversations with teammates. ... I respected the guys I played with, and they respected where I was coming from."

It helped that he performed well on the field. Ruud was an American Association All-Star last season, pitching in the midseason exhibition at the Saints' Midway Stadium. A couple of times "somebody was at least asking about me," Ruud said when asked if a Major League organization ever tried to sign him. But it never worked out.

"I've seen the business side of baseball," Ruud said. "I know that a 5-10, 160-pound righthander who throws 87 [mph] on a good day isn't always what they're looking for. Opportunities for someone like me probably aren't that great."

Luckily for Ruud, he has bigger plans.

MICHAEL RAND

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