Ernie Rutledge

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Dallas Rangers (2000)
Ernie Rutledge is a third round pick in the 2000 Inaugural Draft, selected by the Dallas Rangers to start at short stop. Primarily a contact hitter, Rutledge hit .250 with 4 home runs and 18 RBI in his first season. His performances weren't what Dallas was looking for and he was let go at the end of the season.

Boston Bandits (2001-
During the offseason, Rutledge agreed to a 4 year contract with the Boston Bandits. His performances significantly dropped in his second season and he hit a disappointing .220 with only one home run and 8 RBI, which is well below expectations. Boston tried to ship him elsewhere in the offseason, to no avail. He won a Gold Glove at SS at the end of the season.

His second season in Boston couldn't be anything but better than the first one. He improved his batting average to reach the level of his season in Dallas and hit a career-best 9 home runs, with 21 RBI. He was surprisingly good in the Championship Series that his team lost in 5 against his former team, the Dallas Rangers.

Awards
1X ABA Gold Glove Award at SS (2001)