When you think about athletes who leave their mark on the game, you might recall names that truly stand out, and for folks who followed baseball, particularly in recent years, the name Josh Rutledge certainly comes to mind. He was a player who gave his all on the diamond, someone who brought a particular kind of energy to the infield, a spot where quick thinking and sharp moves really count. His time playing professional baseball, you know, it's a story that many people who love the sport can appreciate, showing how someone can move from college dreams to the big league stage.
His path, in a way, shows how dedication can lead to playing at the highest levels, starting from his college days and then making the jump to the pros. We're going to talk a little bit about his journey, the teams he played for, and what he's been doing since stepping away from the game. It's pretty much a look at the different parts of his life, both when he was chasing fly balls and after.
This piece will give you some details about his baseball career, his personal life, and what he does now, offering a fuller picture of a person who has made different kinds of contributions, both on the field and, you know, in the community. It’s a story of a person who went from playing a sport professionally to helping people find places to live, a rather interesting change of pace, you could say.
Table of Contents
- Josh Rutledge - A Life Story
- Personal Details of Josh Rutledge
- How Did Josh Rutledge Begin His Baseball Career?
- What Teams Did Josh Rutledge Play For?
- Josh Rutledge's Time in the Major Leagues
- What Was Josh Rutledge's Role as an Infielder?
- Life After Baseball - What Does Josh Rutledge Do Now?
- Connecting the Dots - Josh Rutledge and His Family
Josh Rutledge - A Life Story
Joshua Alan Rutledge, who, you know, came into the world on April 21, 1989, is someone who used to play professional baseball for a living. He was, in a way, a part of that group of athletes who make their living on the diamond, playing a specific spot on the field. As an infielder, his job was pretty much to cover the inside parts of the baseball field, handling ground balls and making throws to first base or other spots to get outs. It's a position that asks for quick hands and, like, a good sense of where the ball is going, which is something he clearly had during his playing days. So, his life, for a good while, revolved around the game, being a professional player, which is a dream for many young people who pick up a bat and glove.
His journey in the big leagues, as a matter of fact, spanned from 2012 to 2017, a period where he got to wear the uniforms of a couple of different teams. This time on the field saw him playing for the Colorado Rockies and then, you know, later on, the Boston Red Sox. It’s pretty cool to think about how he got to experience playing for different groups, each with their own fans and home fields. His time playing professional baseball, in some respects, gave him a chance to show what he could do against some of the best players around, which is, honestly, a pretty big deal for any athlete.
Beyond the baseball diamond, Josh Rutledge has also built a life for himself, stepping into new roles after his playing days came to an end. He’s a person who has, like, shifted gears, moving from the fast-paced world of professional sports to a different kind of work. His life story, you know, tells us about someone who has pursued passions, both on the field and, apparently, in the world of helping people find homes. It’s a testament to how people can adapt and find new ways to contribute after one chapter of their life closes, which is, you know, something many of us can relate to.
Personal Details of Josh Rutledge
Here are some personal details about Josh Rutledge, offering a quick look at some key facts about him:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joshua Alan Rutledge |
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1989 |
| Birthplace | (Not specified in source, but attended high school in Cullman, Alabama) |
| Spouse | Laura Rutledge (née McKeeman) |
| Marriage Year | December 2013 |
| College Attended | University of Alabama |
| Current Profession | Realtor at Coldwell Banker West Hartford |
| Former Profession | Professional Baseball Infielder |
How Did Josh Rutledge Begin His Baseball Career?
Every professional player has a starting point, and for Josh Rutledge, that journey pretty much began during his high school years. He played baseball at Cullman High School, which is where he first started to really show his skills on the field. It’s where he, you know, honed his abilities, learning the finer points of the game and getting ready for what would come next. High school baseball is, in a way, a foundational step for many who go on to play at higher levels, giving them the chance to develop their game and catch the eye of college recruiters or professional scouts.
After his time in high school, Josh Rutledge took his talents to the University of Alabama, playing for the Crimson Tide. This was a really important step in his baseball journey, as college baseball often acts as a bridge between amateur play and the professional ranks. While playing for the Crimson Tide, he truly stood out, especially with his hitting. He led the team with a .369 batting average, which is, you know, a pretty impressive number for any college player. That kind of performance, frankly, gets people to notice you, and it certainly did for him.
His strong showing in college, particularly that high batting average, made him a player that professional teams would keep an eye on. So, in 2010, the Colorado Rockies decided to select him in the Major League Baseball draft. Being chosen in the draft is, basically, the moment when a player officially gets their chance to try and make it in the professional game. It's the first big step into that world, a very exciting time for anyone who loves to play baseball for a living. This selection, in some respects, marked the beginning of his professional baseball journey, a path that would eventually lead him to play in the big leagues.
What Teams Did Josh Rutledge Play For?
Once he became a professional, Josh Rutledge spent his time playing for a few different teams, both in the minor leagues as he worked his way up and then in the major leagues. His first big break, you know, came with the Colorado Rockies, the team that initially picked him in the draft. He made his debut with them on July 13, 2012, which is, of course, a day he probably remembers quite well. At that point, he was 23 years old, stepping onto the biggest stage in baseball for the very first time. It’s a moment many players dream about, and he got to live it.
After his time with the Rockies, Josh Rutledge also got the chance to play for the Boston Red Sox. Moving from one team to another is, like, a fairly common part of a professional athlete's career, and it gives players a chance to experience different team cultures and cities. He played for both of these well-known teams during his time in Major League Baseball. His career in the big leagues spanned from 2012 to 2017, which means he was on the field, playing at the highest level, for a good number of seasons.
Beyond the Rockies and the Red Sox, the information also suggests he played for the Angels and the Giants. So, you know, over his professional playing days, he had the opportunity to put on the uniform for a few different organizations. Playing for multiple teams in the big leagues, in a way, shows a player's adaptability and how different clubs saw value in his skills on the field. It's pretty much a common part of a long career in professional sports, moving around to where your talents are needed.
Josh Rutledge's Time in the Major Leagues
Josh Rutledge made his entrance into Major League Baseball on July 13, 2012, when he joined the Colorado Rockies. This moment, when he was 23 years old, marked his official start in the top tier of professional baseball. Playing in the big leagues is, literally, the goal for almost every young person who picks up a bat and glove, and he achieved that. He spent a good part of his career with the Rockies, contributing as an infielder.
During his time playing in the major leagues, which ran from 2012 through 2017, Josh Rutledge was known for his contributions as an infielder. He spent those years with both the Colorado Rockies and the Boston Red Sox. His career stats, like the games he played, the hits he got, and the home runs he hit, are all recorded for fans and people who follow the game to look back on. These numbers, you know, give a picture of his performance over his years on the field.
For instance, you can find complete career Major League Baseball stats for him, even specifically for his time as a third baseman with the San Francisco Giants, which, you know, shows he spent some time there too. This kind of information, including details about his height, his weight, his position, and when he started as a rookie, is available for anyone curious about his playing days. It’s pretty much all there for people who want to see the numbers behind his professional baseball career.
What Was Josh Rutledge's Role as an Infielder?
As an infielder, Josh Rutledge had a very specific and important job on the baseball field. An infielder, basically, plays one of the positions in the diamond, like first base, second base, shortstop, or third base. These players are responsible for catching ground balls, fielding line drives, and making throws to get outs. It’s a position that asks for quick reactions and, you know, good hand-eye coordination, because the ball can come at you very fast.
Josh Rutledge played as an infielder, which means he was often in the middle of the action, especially when the other team was hitting ground balls. His job involved being ready for anything, whether it was a hard-hit ball or a slower one that needed a quick scoop and throw. The stats about his position confirm he played as an infielder, and specifically, you know, he was listed as a third baseman for the San Francisco Giants at one point. This shows his versatility within the infield, being able to play different spots.
The role of an infielder, too, involves a lot of communication with other players on the field, especially the pitcher and the catcher. It's about working together as a unit to prevent runs from scoring. So, for Josh Rutledge, his time on the field as an infielder meant being a key part of the team's defense, making plays that could really change the outcome of a game. It's a demanding spot, but one that can be very rewarding when you make a great play.
Life After Baseball - What Does Josh Rutledge Do Now?
After his years playing professional baseball, Josh Rutledge has, you know, made a significant shift in his career path. He stepped away from the baseball diamond, and now he works in a completely different field. Currently, he is a realtor, someone who helps people buy and sell homes. He works at Coldwell Banker West Hartford, which is, basically, a real estate company.
This change, in a way, shows how athletes often transition into new careers once their playing days are over. It’s a common thing for people who spend years in one profession to find new ways to use their skills and energy. For Josh Rutledge, that means helping individuals and families with one of the biggest decisions they make: finding a place to live or selling their property. It's a very different kind of challenge compared to hitting a baseball or fielding a ground ball, but, you know, it still requires dedication and a good understanding of people's needs.
His new role as a realtor involves connecting with people, understanding what they are looking for in a home, and guiding them through the process of buying or selling. It’s a service-oriented job, which, you know, is quite a contrast to the competitive world of professional sports. So, while he may no longer be on the baseball field, Josh Rutledge is still very much active, contributing in a different kind of way to his community, helping people with their housing needs, which is, honestly, a pretty important service.
Connecting the Dots - Josh Rutledge and His Family
Beyond his professional life, Josh Rutledge also has a personal side, which includes his family. He is married to Laura Rutledge, who many people might recognize from her work in sports broadcasting. Laura Rutledge, whose maiden name was McKeeman, is a host for ESPN NFL Live, which means she's also very much involved in the world of sports, just from a different angle. It's pretty cool, you know, how both of them have connections to the sports world.
Josh and Laura Rutledge met in 2011, and they tied the knot in December 2013. So, their relationship has been going on for quite some time now, and they have built a life together. It’s, like, a sports match made in heaven, as some might say, given their shared connections to the athletic world. Their story, in a way, shows how people from similar backgrounds can find each other and build a family life.
Their marriage in 2013 was a significant personal event for Josh Rutledge, adding another layer to his life beyond his baseball career. It’s interesting to see how his personal life, with his wife Laura, runs alongside his professional endeavors, both on the field and now in real estate. This part of his story, you know, gives us a fuller picture of the person, showing that there’s more to him than just the stats and the games he played.
