IBL's Kitchener Panthers sign Humberto Ruiz

The Kitchener Panthers have signed veteran outfielder Humberto Ruiz. Photo: Kitchener Panthers

December 24, 2022

Official Kitchener Panthers News Release

The Kitchener Panthers have signed veteran outfielder Humberto Ruiz.

The 34-year-old Cuban-born outfielder previously spent five seasons with the London Majors, compiling a .295 batting average, 54 RBIs, and 48 stolen bases in 152 games.

After sitting out this past season, Ruiz will be looking to regain his form from 2021 where he was a key contributor in the Majors’ championship victory. After posting a .400 batting average in the regular season as the Majors’ three-hole hitter, Ruiz picked up six RBIs and batted .345 in seven postseason games.

Ruiz made headlines for his performance in Game 3 of the IBL finals going 4-for-4 with three RBIs and making a highlight reel catch at the wall, robbing a two-run home run off the bat of Sean Reilly en route to a 6-4 victory. He finished the series with three multi-hit games and a .444 batting average.

Ruiz, recently granted Canadian citizenship, counts as a domestic player on the roster and is sure to mesh well with the four soon-to-be-announced Cuban import players joining the Panthers for the 2023 campaign.

Known for his great work ethic, Ruiz will complement a talented local core and be able to offer championship experience and leadership. He will join an already strong outfield which will benefit from a veteran presence and the additional depth that this move provides.

“We are very pleased to sign IBL veteran Humberto Ruiz for the 2023 season,” said Panthers general manager, Mike Boehmer. “Humberto will help us both at the plate and in the field. He played a key role in London’s 2021 IBL Championship and will bring veteran leadership to our team”.