About Kirk

Kirk Rueter, a left-handed pitcher known for his crafty approach and longevity, carved out a notable 13-year career in Major League Baseball. Born in Highland, Illinois, Rueter was initially drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 17th round of the 1991 MLB draft. After several seasons in the Expos’ minor league system, he made his major league debut in 1993, quickly establishing himself as a reliable member of their pitching staff. While never overpowering, Rueter relied on his intelligence on the mound, utilizing a deceptive array of pitches and excellent command to consistently get hitters out. His tenure in Montreal saw him develop into a steady left-handed presence, often exceeding expectations with his consistent performance.

In 1996, Rueter was traded to the San Francisco Giants, where he would spend the majority of his career and achieve his greatest success. In San Francisco, he became a workhorse in the Giants’ rotation, consistently logging high innings totals and providing stability to their pitching staff. He was a key contributor to the Giants’ National League pennant-winning season in 2002, starting two games in the World Series. While the Giants ultimately fell short against the Anaheim Angels, Rueter’s performance throughout the season and playoffs solidified his place as a fan favorite in San Francisco. His ability to consistently pitch effectively despite a fastball that rarely exceeded 85 mph earned him the affectionate nickname “Woody,” a nod to the similarly crafty left-hander Steve Carlton.

Throughout his career, Rueter was respected for his professionalism and his ability to adapt and succeed in a league increasingly dominated by power pitching. He consistently outperformed projections, demonstrating the value of control, guile, and a deep understanding of pitching mechanics. While he never garnered Cy Young Award consideration, his consistent performance and durability made him a valuable asset to both the Expos and the Giants for over a decade.

Rueter’s career concluded after the 2005 season, leaving behind a legacy of consistent performance and a testament to the fact that velocity isn’t the only key to success on the pitcher’s mound. He finished his career with a respectable 130 wins and a 4.27 ERA, numbers that reflect his steady contributions over a long and productive major league tenure. His time in San Francisco, particularly his role in the 2002 pennant-winning season, remains a highlight of his career and endears him to Giants fans to this day.