A native of Bulverde, Texas, after being selected in the fifth round of the 1995 Major League Baseball 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.

LaRue was known throughout his career to be a defensive specialist. In 2001, he led the major leagues with a 61% caught-stealing percentage, and he has a career 39% caught-stealing percentage.

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.

On November 19, 2007, he signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals as the backup to Yadier Molina. During the season, he was used primarily for his defensive ability as his hitting stats had dwindled. LaRue re-signed with the Cardinals following the 2008 season for one year.

LaRue returned to the Cardinals for 2010, his third season with the team. On August 10, 2010, he suffered a concussion caused by a kick to the head by the Cincinnati Reds’ Johnny Cueto, during a bench-clearing brawl. On August 19, LaRue was placed on the 60-day disabled list, ending his season.