BJ Ruff’s dream of playing college baseball will soon come true.
The Putnam County pitcher and infielder recently committed to play baseball at Emmanuel University. He will enroll in classes next month and start the offseason as a member of the Lions.
“It honestly feels great to pursue my goal. Having that hard work under me and continuing to improve is great,” Ruff told The Eatonton Messenger. “It’s always a great feeling to see my hard work become a reality.”
Ruff spent the last few months going to camps, talking with college coaches, and trying to get noticed. His effort finally paid off when Emmanuel’s baseball staff invited him to become a Lion after Ruff connected with head coach Jeff Kilgore.
A few current Emmanuel players were Ruff’s teammates from travel ball, and he said they also helped him commit to the Lions. He listened to their advice and ultimately decided Emmanuel was the best place for him.
“I feel honored to go to Emmanuel and play with a great group of guys. I’ve met a couple of them, and I know a few I’ve played with previously,” Ruff said. “Just to know and get their advice on what to do, how to do it, and how everything works [helped me reach a decision]. I can’t wait to take the field with them.”
Ruff was a key contributor for Putnam County the past few seasons. He’s a versatile player who can play the infield and pitch when needed. He helped the War Eagles make the playoffs every year he was on the team.
Former Putnam County head coach Mike Phiel said he enjoyed having Ruff as a player the past few years.
“It’s hard to even put into words how much we will miss him,” Phiel said after the season ended in May. “BJ was such a pleasure to coach.”
Ruff was an All-Region second-team selection this past spring for Putnam County. As a senior, he batted .250 with a .415 on-base percentage, totaling 14 hits and 17 RBI for the War Eagles in 2024.
However, Ruff’s favorite high school baseball memory came on the mound as he pitched a no-hitter against Westside (Augusta) this past season.
Ruff hurled a gem, leading the War Eagles to mercy-rule the Patriots in April.
“It felt amazing,” Ruff recalled. I’m not one of those pitchers with a strikeout mentality. I get [a lot of my outs] through contact, but I was focused on that game. I knew I had to make a mark on that game, and I did.”
Despite being excited to play baseball at Emmanuel University, Ruff admitted he will miss his time at Putnam County. He feels like he and his fellow seniors, Mark Winslette and Hunter Holder, significantly impacted the program.
Still, Ruff knows the younger War Eagles will uphold the standard they helped set the past few years.
“My time at Putnam County was really fun. It was great to make really good friends, meet new people, and impact the younger players,” Ruff said. Teaching the younger guys to work together and have each other’s backs was enjoyable. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to be on this team for the past four years.”