Paul Bako is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for nine different teams during his career. He was known for his defensive skills behind the plate and his ability to handle pitchers. Bako was not known for his offensive prowess, but he was a reliable backup catcher who could be counted on to fill in when needed.
Bako was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth round of the 1993 MLB draft. He made his major league debut with the team in 1998 and played for them for three seasons. He then played for the Houston Astros, Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Throughout his career, Bako was known for his strong arm and his ability to block pitches in the dirt. He was also praised for his work ethic and his willingness to do whatever it took to help his team win. Bako was a popular teammate and was respected by his peers for his professionalism and dedication to the game.
Despite his defensive skills, Bako was never a standout offensive player. He finished his career with a .231 batting average, 24 home runs, and 197 RBIs. However, he was able to contribute in other ways, such as drawing walks and sacrificing himself to move runners over.
Bako's best season came in 2004 when he played for the Cubs. He hit .203 with four home runs and 30 RBIs in 91 games. He also threw out 36% of attempted base stealers, which was well above the league average.
Bako retired from baseball in 2009 after playing for the Phillies. He finished his career with a .231 batting average, 24 home runs, and 197 RBIs in 764 games. He also threw out 31% of attempted base stealers, which was above the league average.
After retiring, Bako worked as a coach and instructor for young players. He also served as a color commentator for the Cincinnati Reds radio broadcasts. Bako was known for his knowledge of the game and his ability to communicate effectively with players and fans.
Overall, Paul Bako was a reliable backup catcher who was known for his defensive skills and his ability to handle pitchers. He was not a standout offensive player, but he was able to contribute in other ways. Bako was respected by his peers for his professionalism and dedication to the game, and he has continued to be involved in baseball since retiring.
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