Whether you like it or not, Ruben Amaro Jr’s blood is Philadelphia, through and through. His father, Ruben Sr., a native of Mexico, was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1954. After
playing one season for the team, Amaro packed up his belongings and made Philadelphia home from 1960-65. Ruben Amaro Jr. was born on Feb. 12, 1965, in Philadelphia, where he would call home most of his life.
Amaro Jr. grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, playing baseball in the city leagues just like any other Philly kid.