A Look Back to 2015: Eric Ruth
A Look Back to 2015 is a monthly offseason feature recapping the season of members of the 2015 Thunder
Every spring thousands of minor league baseball players scatter across the country, often far from their home, to chase their dream of becoming a major league player. The 2015 campaign was unique for Harleysville, PA native, Eric Ruth, when he played for the Trenton Thunder because he had the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of home while playing for the team. Ruth recently reflected on his season with Thunder radio broadcaster Jon Mozes.
What comes to mind when he reflects on his 2015 season:
"Just how it all started. I went to spring training as a reliever, spent the first two games in Tampa's bullpen and didn't get a chance to pitch because they wanted me to pitch in a long relief-type role. I got a call on the third day of the season that I'm making a spot start for Trenton at Erie and just stuck as a starter after that."
On his most memorable start:
"The one that stands out the most is that day-game against Bowie, 7 innings 1 hit that was the most memorable one. There were a few, but, that was probably the best."
On the toughest opponent he faced in 2015:
"Reading. They always put up a good battle, they're a young team with great talent. The Phillies future is pretty bright and the talent that they brought in after the trade deadline made them a real challenge."
On facing Chase Utley:
"Definitely one of those guys that I watched growing up around Philadelphia, I enjoyed watching him play. So I think it was a really cool opportunity to face him. I couldn't overthink about the fact that I was facing him. I just had to go in thinking that it's the same game, I just wanted to focus on pitching my game. I didn't feel nervous at all, I just wanted to keep it the same and not think outside the box or get worried about facing him. I just wanted to be myself and pitch my game."
On Pitching Coach Jose Rosado's impact on his season:
"We knew each other a little bit from my days in the Gulf Coast League, he really helped me be positive and confident. I think those are the two biggest things that any pitching coach will preach to you. During bullpen sessions he's motivational and complimentary, but, he also critiques and taught me things that helped make me a better pitcher."
On the difference between Double-A and Triple-A:
"The strike zone might be a little smaller and the hitters are a little more relaxed at Triple-A. They're an older group of guys, more veterans, and some have been in the big leagues. I think they take a little more patient approach, and that makes a huge difference, where the guys in Double-A are a little more aggressive. At the end of the day, the game is still the same and you have to bring your best."
On improvements he made from 2014 to 2015:
"I think the confidence going into my second full-year, just being more comfortable in having that self-confidence in myself was an important adjustment I made from last year to this year. I also see the improvement in my change-up. I really never threw it [in pro ball], but, this year it was one of my go-to pitches and I really worked hard at preparing it to be part of my arsenal for the year."
On the best part about being home for the offseason:
It's just great to be home and spend time with family. I'm around a lot of the friends that I grew up with in this area. Being home and enjoying the time with them is most important to me.
On his goals for the 2016 season:
"I just want to come out and learn from last year. Go in with the confidence that I have four good pitches that I can throw in any situation. I started to throw my curveball last year a little bit, it wasn't a pitch I really trusted yet, but, I want to come into this next season confident that I can throw four pitches in any count and just grow from there."
2015 Season Highlights:
- Named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the week of May 25-31. Went 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA (3 ER in 13.0 IP, 7 K)
- Threw 23.2 consecutive scoreless innings from May 9 to May 25, lowering his season ERA to 1.65.
- Allowed one earned run or less in ten of his 19 starts with the Thunder.
- Named an Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star and led the league with a 1.97 ERA, among active qualified pitchers, at the time of his selection.
- Threw a scoreless 5th inning in the EL All-Star game at Portland.
- Finished second on the Thunder in wins (9) and innings pitched (112.1).
- Made spot starts with Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre on July 20 at Indianapolis and on August 12 against Pawtuckett. Went six innings in both appearances.