Coach Steve Ruzich Earns 1,400th Career Victory at South Suburban College

South Holland, IL — South Suburban College (SSC) Head Baseball Coach Steve Ruzich reached a historic milestone on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, earning his 1,400th career victory in an exciting 8–7 win over College of Lake County. The milestone victory further solidifies Ruzich’s place among the most accomplished coaches in junior college baseball history.

Now in his 40th season leading the South Suburban College baseball program, Ruzich’s career record stands at 1,400–826, a testament to his consistency, longevity, and dedication to student-athletes both on and off the field.

“I’ve been fortunate to coach baseball at South Suburban College for 40 years,” said Ruzich. “1,400 wins means a lot as we play a very competitive schedule, and this is a credit to all the players that have put on the Bulldog uniform.”

Ruzich’s connection to South Suburban College runs deep. He began his collegiate playing career at Thornton Community College, now known as South Suburban College, before continuing his career at St. Francis University under legendary coach Gordie Gillespie. Following his collegiate career, Ruzich was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1985, further cementing his lifelong connection to the game of baseball.

Widely regarded as an ambassador for South Suburban College athletics and the game of baseball, Ruzich has built a program defined by development, opportunity, and competitive excellence. His contributions to the game have also been recognized nationally, as he was inducted into the JUCO Hall of Fame in 2014 and most recently inducted into the ABCA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2026.

During his tenure, Coach Ruzich has built one of the premier junior college baseball programs in the country, highlighted by:

• Over 350 players advancing to four-year colleges and universities
• 25 players drafted in Major League Baseball drafts
• 5 Major League Baseball players produced
• 15 Regional Championships
• 21 All-Americans
• Two NJCAA World Series appearances in Grand Junction, Colorado (1991, 2006)

Assistant coaches within the program emphasize that Ruzich’s success extends far beyond wins and losses.

“Coach Ru is as consistent as they come,” said the South Suburban College assistant coaching staff. “He shows up every day with an energy that can motivate anyone. We really admire the effort and passion he brings to the table every single day. Not only that, the care he has for each individual inside of the program. He genuinely wants everyone to be the best possible version of themself both on and off the field. That is the main reason he is so successful.”

For four decades, Ruzich has helped shape generations of student-athletes, building a culture centered around development, accountability, and opportunity. His leadership has made South Suburban College baseball a respected name throughout junior college athletics and beyond.

As he reaches the 1,400-win milestone, Coach Ruzich continues to lead with the same passion and commitment that has defined his career — building a legacy that extends far beyond the baseball diamond.

PHOTO: SSC Men’s Head Baseball Coach Steve Ruzich

About South Suburban College Baseball
South Suburban College Baseball is one of the Midwest’s premier junior college programs, built on a tradition of competitive excellence, player development, and academic success under the leadership of Head Coach Steve Ruzich. For more information, visit: https://www.ssc.edu/athletics/baseball/