Michael Jason "Rusty" LaRue (born March 19, 1974 in Houston, Texas) is a Major League Baseball catcher for St. Louis Cardinals. LaRue agreed to a two-year, $9.1 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds on December 20, 2005. On November 20, 2006, LaRue was traded to the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named later. Since a player could not be agreed upon, the Royals opted to send the Reds cash considerations in the amount of one dollar.

After being selected in the 5th round of the 1995 MLB draft out of Dallas Baptist University, LaRue debuted with Cincinnati on June 15, 1999 and became Cincinnati's starting catcher in 2001. 2005 was his best overall season with 14 HR, 60 RBI and .260 batting average.

On Mother's Day, May 14, 2006, LaRue was one of more than 50 hitters who brandished a pink bat to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation. He was one of a handful of players to hit a home run with a pink bat.

On November 19, , he signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals as the backup to Yadier Molina.Strauss, Joe. "Cardinals sign catcher, minor-league pitchers St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 2007-11-20. Retrieved 2007-11-20. During the season, he was used primarily for his defensive ability as his hitting stats have dwindled. LaRue re-signed with the Cardinals following the season for one year.

The Cardinals announced on November 30, 2009, he is signed for 2010, his third season with the team.

LaRue lives in Bulverde, Texas, with his wife Heather, and three sons: Tyler, Dylan and Braden. Has a brother, Luke (L'hreuix), who has a song named in his honor.

References

1. Cardinals sign catcher Jason LaRue; veteran backstop agrees to one-year pact for 2009
2. Jason LaRue Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlightsstlouiscardinals.com

External links

• Jason LaRue player profile page at stlcardinals.scout.com