About Kirk Rueter

Kirk Rueter, the crafty left-hander from Highland, Illinois, built one of the most quietly remarkable careers of his generation. Drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1991, he wasted no time making an impact, bursting onto the scene in 1993 by winning his first eight decisions—a feat that immediately turned heads around baseball. Though he never overpowered hitters with velocity, he had something far more valuable: the ability to outthink opponents, command the strike zone, and consistently deliver when his team needed him most.

When the Expos traded him to the San Francisco Giants in 1996, Rueter truly found his home. Over the next decade, he became one of the winningest left-handed pitcher in Giants history of his time, piling up 105 victories and giving San Francisco stability every fifth day. Fans loved him not just for the results, but for how he carried himself—unflashy, dependable, and always approachable. Nicknamed “Woody,” Rueter embodied the idea that you didn’t need a blazing fastball to succeed—you needed brains, heart, and consistency.

His peak came in 2002, when he went 14–8 with a stellar 3.23 ERA, helping lead the Giants to the World Series. He started two games in that Fall Classic and even delivered a gutsy relief appearance in the decisive Game 7, proving his reliability in the biggest moments. Over 13 seasons, Rueter finished with 130 wins, more than 2,000 innings pitched, and a reputation as one of the smartest, most professional pitchers of his time. When the Giants honored him with “Kirk Rueter Day” in 2006—complete with a life-sized bobblehead—it was a fitting tribute to a player who gave everything to the game and earned a lasting place in Giants history.

Now, Kirk is opening the doors to his personal collection, auctioning off game-worn jerseys, autographed cards, and unique keepsakes from his years with the Expos and Giants. These aren’t just collectibles—they’re pieces of a career built on grit, intelligence, and love for the game. Each item tells a story: of a small-town kid who made it to the majors, of the Giants’ 2002 pennant chase, of the teammates and fans who made the journey unforgettable. By sharing his collection, Rueter is giving fans and collectors alike the chance to own a piece of baseball history—and a piece of his story.