Carlos Ruiz thanks Phillies fans in billboard ad

Former Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz went big in showing his appreciation for the team's fans.

Ruiz bought an ad on a billboard along I-95 to say he won't forget Philadelphia and its fans anytime soon.

The billboard reads: "I loved playing for you. You will always be in my heart. Thank you, Philly! -Chooch"

As if Phillies fans needed another reason to love their longtime backstop.

Ruiz spent 11 seasons with the Phillies, making his major league debut with the team in 2006. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgerson Aug. 25 in exchange for fellow veteran catcher A.J. Ellis. Both were clubhouse favorites for their former teams.

-- Alex Tekip