The Uni Watch commUNIty are truly an amazing and talented bunch of folks, and I (or Paul) have featured many contributions from readers over the years. One name that should be instantly recognizable to the UW community is Ron Ruelle, a longtime reader and contributor.
Perhaps Ron’s most famous effort — at least in terms of the annals of Uni Watch — was his design of the “Brooklyn Branches” jersey (and cap, stirrups, etc), which Paul featured back in 2020. Contained within that article was the note that Ron is a professional illustrator and cartoonist. (Feel free to check out that article for more info.) You can also see more of Ron’s work here.
One of Ron’s newest gigs is creating caricatures during Wilmington Sharks games (the Sharks, from Wilmington, N.C., are in the East Division of the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate summer baseball league).
Ron shared with me a press release detailing the Sharks caricatures:
As the Wilmington Sharks open their 2024 season, there’s someone else drawing interest at the ballpark.
Ron Ruelle, a Wilmington cartoonist, will be creating caricatures for fans all season long at Buck Hardee Field. He will be at his booth near the concession and souvenir stands for almost every home game in 2024.
“This is kind of a dream gig for me,” Ruelle said. “I love creating comics, and I love baseball, so I finally get to combine them in one job.” While his banner shows caricatures of fans of all ages wearing various Sharks gear, he’s happy to draw anyone wearing anything. “You show up in a banana costume, I will draw you in a banana costume,” he laughed.
As for his own attire, look for him in a Sharks jersey, shirt, sweatshirt, or hat. “Someone asked me if I have to wear Sharks stuff,” he said. “Have to? I GET to. They have a nice color set and great logos. The Sharks look sharp!”
He also offers pet caricatures and his patented “Unflattering Caricatures That Only Sorta Look Like You At a Reasonable Price.” There’s lots of ways we can do this, he said.
As for watching games all season, Ruelle explains that his booth is tucked behind the grandstand, so he doesn’t have much of a view. “That’s okay,” he said. “I hope to be looking at my artist pad most of the game anyway. Also, it’s nice and shady there.”
The Wilmington, N.C., Sharks are members of the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate wood-bat summer league. Ruelle will be at most home games when the gates open 90 minutes before first pitch. You can see more of his work at www.ronruelle.com.
Great stuff Ron, and thanks for sharing! Hopefully there will be lots of traffic and if there are any Uni Watchers who attend a Sharks game this summer season, stop by Ron’s booth and say hi! I’d love to feature a photo of you and Ron along with your caricature here.
First (of the new Phil Hecken era.)
Good article Phil!
Peak Phil and Ron.
Why is the text size messed up and everything is misaligned when I read it on my cell phone?
Hmmm. I just checked it on my phone and it looks fine for me. Sometimes when a link is added to the comments, it doesn’t “stick” properly and that causes the mobile post to skew. But that isn’t the case (at least for my phone) here.
Kidding. ; ) Had to razz the new guy on his first day.
The kid with the cap in the photo that Ron is holding looks like what I imagine a 10-year-old Linus Van Pelt might look like.
Ron’s art is really great and Ron himself is even greater! The Sharks are fortunate to have him with them this summer.