Steve Ruud

Ruud grew up in Wichita and pitched in the semi-professional Victory League in the 1960s and 70s and pitched in thirteen National Baseball Congress World Series.

After a year’s absence, Ruud brought professional baseball back to Wichita in 2008 with the independent Wichita Wingnuts.  He began as a minority owner but following the 2009 season, Ruud and his partners purchased outright ownership.  One of his partners was Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame member Nate Robertson.

Under their ownership, the Wingnuts were a highly successful franchise.  In eleven years of existence, they won eight division titles and won the American Association championship in 2014, a year in which they were 73-27.

In 2018, the City of Wichita made the decision to demolish Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and entice an affiliated team.  In doing so, the City paid the Wingnuts to cease operations.

Ruud owns Ruud Building Systems, a concrete and construction company in Wichita.