Though Ruether had a reputation as a troublemaker, in 1919 his .760 winning percentage (19-6) for the Reds was the NL’s best. The lefthander beat the Black Sox in Game One of the 1919 WS. One of the better-hitting pitchers in the game (.258, 7 HR, 111 RBI), Ruether ranks fifth all-time in pinch hits by a pitcher (34).
He went 13-6 as the fourth starter on the great 1927 Yankee club. He should have learned a lesson from Wally Pipp‘s experience with Lou Gehrig. One day Ruether was too ill to pitch, and lost his job to George Pipgras.
