Shanaman Sports Museum of Tacoma-Pierce County

Ernie Ruffo

SHAFFER BOX COMPANY BASEBALL TEAM

1930 INDUSTRIAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Back row l. to r.: Joe Salatino, Ernie Ruffo, Weems, Paine, Napier, “Cac” Cates, Ebert, Elkins, and Sprague.
Front row l. to r.: Andy Hurney, Potter, Webster, Jim O’Ravez, Ehret, and Bud Bittner. Missing: George Phipps, Johnny Chilla, Rick Johnson, Dayton, Hudson, Maruca., and Thaut. Photo courtesy of Jim and Dorothy O’Ravez.

Ernie Ruffo made history as one of the most well-rounded prep athlete in the South Puget Sound region. He became the first Bellarmine Prep athlete to earn four varsity letters in one year in 1930 when he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track.

Ruffo served as captain of the Bellarmine baseball team and continued that record of leadership at the University of Santa Clara, where he threw a seven-inning no-hitter against the previously unbeaten state champion Hollister. He was also a starting guard on the Santa Clara football team.

Outside of his school teams, Ruffo also played outfield and pitched for local baseball and softball teams St. Leo's (1927-30), Schafer Box Industrial (1930-31), General Beer Distributor (1933-34) and Tacoma French Bakery (1935-36). He was inducted into the Bellarmine Prep School Athletic Hall of Fame in the Class of 1988.