PN Interview: Carlos Ruiz

Last weekend, Phillies Nation was granted VIP Access to Sports Vault’s All Access program at the Philadelphia Sports Card Show and Convention. There, we were able to speak to a number of the guests which included many Phillies, past and present. For the next week, please check out our exclusive interviews and give our friends at Sports Vault a click for the best sports memorabilia and upcoming autograph signings!

Note: This interview with Ruiz was conducted under the context of it being used for the final product of our upcoming Phillies Nation 100 project. To read Ruiz’s PN Top 100 entry, please click here.

Ian Riccaboni, PN: What was your favorite moment as a Phillie?

Carlos Ruiz: The final out of the World Series. Definitely when we won the World Series. It was one of those things you’ll never forget, it was real special.

IR, PN: What was it like to have a game-winning hit in the World Series?

CR: Oh, it was huge, you know. I knew I had to put the ball in play and I was lucky that I hit the ball. I did not hit the ball real hard *laughs* but it was a big moment in my career.

IR, PN: What has it been being in an organization with players like Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels

? Guys like yourself who play at a very high talent level?

CR: You know, when you come in from nowhere and you are working real hard, there’s a chance you can end up in a place like this and play with superstars. It’s great to be able to go to the ballpark every day and spend time with them and try to learn everything you can from them. I have a lot of good memories from when we have all of those guys on the field.

IR, PN: If you had to pick, who was your favorite pitcher to catch?

CR: Oh, you know, every guy and every guy is special. Me and Roy (Halladay) had something special and so do me and Cole (Hamels), (and Brad) Lidge. There has been a lot of good pitching and it makes it really difficult to pick!