Kelly Gruber

Biography

Kelly Gruber was a former Major League Baseball player who played for the Toronto Blue Jays and the California Angels. He was born on February 26, 1962, in Houston, Texas, and attended Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. Gruber was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in both baseball and football.

Gruber was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 1980 MLB draft, but he did not sign with the team. Instead, he attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college baseball for the Longhorns. In 1983, Gruber was drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round of the MLB draft, and he signed with the team.

Gruber made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays in 1984, and he quickly established himself as a talented player. He was known for his strong arm, excellent fielding, and powerful hitting. Gruber played primarily at third base for the Blue Jays, but he also played some games at shortstop and second base.

In 1987, Gruber had a breakout season for the Blue Jays. He hit .278 with 31 home runs and 118 RBIs, and he won a Gold Glove award for his outstanding defense at third base. Gruber helped lead the Blue Jays to their first-ever American League East division title that year.

Gruber continued to play well for the Blue Jays over the next few seasons, but he also battled injuries. He missed significant time in 1989 and 1990 due to a back injury, and he also had knee and shoulder problems during his career.

In 1992, Gruber played a key role in the Blue Jays' World Series championship. He hit .240 with two home runs and six RBIs in the series, and he made several outstanding defensive plays at third base. Gruber's performance in the World Series helped him win the Babe Ruth Award, which is given to the most valuable player in the postseason.

Gruber played one more season for the Blue Jays in 1993 before being traded to the California Angels. He played just 18 games for the Angels before suffering a season-ending injury. Gruber attempted a comeback with the Anaheim Angels in 1996, but he played in just 12 games before retiring from baseball.

Overall, Gruber had a solid career in the MLB. He played in 1,103 games over nine seasons, hitting .259 with 117 home runs and 441 RBIs. He won a Gold Glove award, a Babe Ruth Award, and a World Series championship during his career. Despite his injuries, Gruber was known for his toughness and his ability to play through pain.

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Toronto Blue Jays vs Cleveland Indians - Stieb No Hitter - Radio Broadcast

2 hours Sep 2, 1990Sep 2, 1990

On Sunday, September 2, 1990, the Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the...

Toronto Blue Jays vs Cleveland Indians - Stieb No Hitter - Radio Broadcast / On Sunday, September 2, 1990, the Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the Cleveland Indians at Cleveland Stadium. The Blue Jays sent out their ace, Dave Stieb, who entered the game with a remarkable 16-5 record. The Indians countered with Bud Black, who was having a solid season with a 10-8 record. At this point in the season, the Blue Jays were in a tight race in the AL East, while the Indians were struggling to stay out of the basement in the AL Central. The 1990 season was marked by a number of standout performances, including the rise of young stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and the continued dominance of established players like Rickey Henderson. The game started as a pitching duel, with both Stieb and Black keeping the opposing offenses at bay through the first three innings. The Blue Jays broke the silence in the fourth inning, when first baseman Fred McGriff hit a solo home run off Black. Toronto added another run in the fifth inning, with a double from center fielder Kenny Williams and another double from second baseman Manuel Lee. Despite these runs, the game remained a pitchers' duel, as Stieb kept the Indians' offense completely in check. Meanwhile, the Indians struggled to mount any offense against Stieb. Despite drawing four walks, the team was unable to capitalize on these opportunities. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, were able to add an insurance run in the ninth inning, courtesy of another solo home run from McGriff. This provided a comfortable cushion for Stieb, who completed the game without allowing a single hit to the Indians. The game ended in a 3-0 victory for the Blue Jays, with Stieb throwing a no-hitter and improving his record to an impressive 17-5. McGriff's two home runs were key to the victory, providing all the offense the Blue Jays needed. The win helped the Blue Jays in their pursuit of the AL East title, although they would eventually finish in second place behind the Boston Red Sox. The Indians, meanwhile, continued their struggles and finished the season in the last place in the AL Central. The 1990 season was memorable for a number of reasons, including Nolan Ryan's 300th win and the Cincinnati Reds' wire-to-wire World Series victory, but this game stood out as a highlight, showcasing the dominance of Dave Stieb and the power of Fred McGriff.