Blue Jays broadcasters and analysts: A look at their playing days

Pat Tabler

1,202 games played over 12 MLB seasons
.282 AVG  –  .345 OBP  –  512 RBI

Tabler enjoyed a very strong 12-year career after being originally drafted by the New York Yankees 16th overall in the 1976 MLB Draft (two picks ahead of Mike Scioscia).

It was a long road for Tabler through the minor leagues, though, and prior to his 1981 debut he was dealt from the Yankees to the Chicago Cubs. After two seasons of limited playing time, Tabler was traded to the Chicago White Sox, but on April 1st of that season, was flipped to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for infielder Jerry Dybzinski.

The Indians won that trade as Tabler started in Cleveland for five years and part of a sixth. Midway through the 1988 season he was dealt over to the Kansas City Royals for former San Diego Padres’ manager Bud Black.

After another deal landed him in New York with the Mets, Tabler finally landed with the Blue Jays prior to the 1991 season and ended his major league career with a World Series Championship in 1992.

You can catch Tabler on the left-side of the screen in the video below, where the champion Blue Jays give their own rendition of the Tomahawk Chop song…

Tabler’s career numbers are impressive, but what he’s most remembered for is his unbelievable ability to hit with the bases loaded. This earned him the nickname “Mr. Clutch”.

The ‘Whoa’ Stat:

In 109 plate appearances with the bases loaded, Tabler held a career line of .489 / .505 / .693 (1.198 OPS) with two career grand slams and just nine strikeouts compared to 11 walks.

His career average with runners in scoring position was .317.

Next up is the analyst (err…”Manalyst”) who most recently wore the Blue and White.

Next: The switch-hitting Zaun, working AB's and battling backups