Paul Hoover is a former professional baseball player who played as a catcher in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams. He was born on April 14, 1976, in Sarasota, Florida, and attended Sarasota High School, where he played baseball and football. After graduating in 1994, he enrolled at the University of Central Florida, where he played college baseball for the UCF Knights.
Hoover was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 23rd round of the 1997 MLB draft. He spent several years in the minor leagues, playing for various teams, including the Charleston RiverDogs, the Orlando Rays, and the Durham Bulls. He made his MLB debut on September 2, 2001, with the Devil Rays, where he played in 11 games and had a batting average of .200.
Over the next few years, Hoover played for several teams in the MLB, including the Florida Marlins, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was primarily used as a backup catcher and played in a total of 166 games over his career. He had a career batting average of .208, with 3 home runs and 28 runs batted in.
Hoover was known for his defensive skills as a catcher, and he was often praised for his ability to handle pitchers and call games. He was also known for his work ethic and professionalism, and he was respected by his teammates and coaches.
After his playing career ended, Hoover became a coach and instructor, working with young players and helping them develop their skills. He also worked as a scout for the Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres.
Overall, Paul Hoover had a modest but respectable career in the MLB, playing for several teams and earning a reputation as a reliable backup catcher and defensive specialist. He was known for his work ethic and professionalism, and he has continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and instructor.
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