7 Surprising Facts About Josh Rutledge: Laura Rutledge’s Ex-MLB Husband And The Secret Burner Account
The life of a sports broadcaster’s spouse often remains a mystery, but recent headlines have shone a fascinating light on the man married to ESPN and SEC Network star, Laura Rutledge. As of late 2024, the biggest story surrounding Laura Rutledge’s husband, Josh Rutledge, isn’t his former Major League Baseball (MLB) career, but rather a viral admission from his wife about her extreme dedication to his defense during his playing days. This deep dive uncovers the full story of Josh Rutledge, from his professional athletic career to his current life as a father and businessman, and the details of the secret social media account that shocked the sports world.
The couple, who married in 2013, navigates the demanding world of sports media and family life with two young children. Josh Rutledge, a former infielder for teams like the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox, is now building a successful career in real estate, offering a compelling contrast to his previous life on the diamond. His background and their shared journey provide a unique look at the personal side of one of ESPN's most visible personalities.
The Complete Profile of Joshua Alan Rutledge
Laura Rutledge’s husband is Joshua Alan Rutledge, a former professional baseball player who spent six seasons in Major League Baseball. His journey from a standout college athlete to a professional infielder is a core part of his biography.
- Full Name: Joshua Alan Rutledge
- Nickname: Rutty
- Date of Birth: April 21, 1989
- Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama (AL)
- College: University of Alabama
- MLB Draft: 2010, 3rd Round (107th Overall Pick) by the Colorado Rockies
- MLB Debut: 2012
- Primary Teams: Colorado Rockies (2012-2014), Boston Red Sox (2015-2017)
- Primary Positions: Shortstop, Second Baseman, Third Baseman
- Career Stats Highlights: .258 Batting Average, 284 Hits, 20 Home Runs, 111 RBIs (over 6 seasons)
- Retirement: 2017
- Current Profession: Real Estate Agent/Businessman
- Spouse: Laura Rutledge (m. 2013)
- Children: Reese Rutledge (Daughter) and Jack Rutledge (Son)
From The Diamond to The Deal: Josh Rutledge’s Career Transition
After a six-year run in Major League Baseball, Josh Rutledge made a significant pivot in his professional life. His transition from the high-pressure world of professional athletics to the structured environment of finance and, eventually, real estate, demonstrates a strong entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability.
Life After Major League Baseball
Josh Rutledge officially retired from MLB after the 2017 season, concluding his time with the Boston Red Sox organization. Unlike many athletes who remain in coaching or broadcasting, Rutledge chose a path that leveraged his discipline and competitive nature in the business world.
His initial foray into business was in the financial sector. He worked as a financial counselor at Wells Fargo for a period, utilizing his skills in a new capacity. This experience provided a foundation for his next major career move.
The next step in his professional evolution was obtaining his real estate license. Today, Josh Rutledge is a successful real estate agent, currently affiliated with Coldwell Banker, serving the West Hartford, Connecticut area. His profile highlights his ability to connect with people and his deep understanding of the local market, skills that translate well from the baseball field to property sales. This career shift showcases his commitment to providing stability for his family after his playing days ended.
The Viral Confession: Laura Rutledge’s 'BillyHalo76' Burner Account
The most recent and attention-grabbing story about the couple emerged in a late 2024 interview with Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. Laura Rutledge, known for her professional and polished demeanor covering the NFL and SEC, made a surprising and relatable admission: she ran a secret social media account to defend her husband from online critics.
Defending Her Husband During His MLB Career
During Josh Rutledge’s time in the major leagues, he, like all professional athletes, faced scrutiny and criticism from fans on social media platforms (then primarily Twitter). Laura revealed that she was so protective of her husband that she created an alias to fight back against the negative comments.
The name of the infamous burner account was "BillyHalo76." This alias became the platform for Laura to anonymously defend Josh’s performance, character, and decisions. She admitted that her motivation was purely emotional—a wife defending her husband—but acknowledged the humorous and slightly embarrassing nature of the revelation now that she is a prominent ESPN figure.
This candid confession immediately went viral, generating headlines across the sports media landscape. It provided a rare, humanizing glimpse into the life of a high-profile sports couple, proving that even polished broadcasters have their moments of passionate, anonymous online defense for the people they love. The story is a testament to the strong support system Laura provided for Josh throughout his demanding baseball career.
Family Life and The Work-Life Balance
The Rutledges are more than just a sports power couple; they are dedicated parents navigating the complexities of two high-demand careers. Their family life is centered around their two children, a daughter and a son.
Juggling ESPN, The SEC, and Motherhood
Laura Rutledge has become one of ESPN’s most versatile and visible talents, covering major events like the College Football Playoff, the NFL, and serving as a host on the SEC Network. Her schedule often requires extensive travel, making the support of her husband, Josh, crucial to their family's stability.
The couple are parents to their daughter, Reese Rutledge, and their son, Jack Rutledge. Laura has spoken openly about the daily challenges of being a working mom in sports broadcasting, often emphasizing the importance of embracing the "bounce back" and showing up with her best for both her family and her career. Josh's current career in real estate allows for a more flexible schedule compared to the relentless travel of an MLB player, helping them manage their demanding family logistics.
Their life together began at the University of Alabama, where Josh was a star baseball player and Laura was a student and former Miss Florida. Their collegiate love story led to their marriage in 2013, and their partnership has proven strong enough to withstand the pressures of professional sports, media scrutiny, and raising a young family. Their continued success, both professionally and personally, makes them one of the most admired couples in the world of sports media.
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