Exciting Future for Baseball Takes Shape
Westmont has hired Robert Ruiz as head coach of Westmont baseball. As Azusa Pacific University’s assistant and associate head coach for the past five years, he helped win 36 or more games in three of the past five seasons.
Ruiz coaches the Warriors at a time of great change on the field as well. Heavy equipment has leveled the backstop, bleachers and dugouts at Carr Field. A giant sifting machine has been sorting top soil, removing the rock from dirt. By the end of the year, the new baseball field will be repositioned and include new dugouts, seating for fans and a press box.
Westmont Athletic Director Dave Odell says Ruiz is a strong Christian leader with a track record of winning. “He is someone who understands how to recruit and coach within the rigorous academic curriculum at Westmont,” Odell says.
As hitting coach, Ruiz led the Cougars to post their best three-year totals in batting average (.344), hits (2,132), doubles (422), home runs (304), total bases (3,516), runs (1,653), RBIs (1,490) and slugging percentage (.567). Ruiz was also APU’s infield coach, third base coach and recruiting coordinator. He has recruited and coached seven players later selected in the Major League Baseball draft.
A student athlete and graduate of Pitzer College, Ruiz earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership at APU.
“Competitive athletics offer the experience of adversity, challenge, work ethic and selflessness,” Ruiz says. “Standing on a foundation of positive values and the right character attributes allows for success in this environment. The bi-product of integrity and value-driven athletes is the ability to win or being prepared to win in all the challenges or obstacles presented. I am passionate about leading a group of young men and preparing them to win while at the same time encouraging them to become great people who are building their relationship with God and making a positive impact in their community,” said Ruiz.
Ruiz finished his baseball career at Pomona-Pitzer College with a .315 average, 31 doubles, 24 home runs, 140 runs and 118 RBIs, leading the Sagehens to two conference championships. He was twice named to the All-SCIAC and All-West Region teams.
The new Warrior coach is experienced in evaluating baseball talent. Ruiz has served as a talent evaluator and instructor at the Stanford Baseball Camp, Team One Showcase and the Under Armor National Tryout, Tournament and Camp. He has also served as a baseball camp instructor at Harvard and Azusa Pacific and is scheduled to work at a USC camp this summer.