Rex Hudler is a former Major League Baseball player who played for several teams during his career. He was born on September 2, 1960, in Tempe, Arizona, and attended Bullard High School in Fresno, California. Hudler was drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 1978 MLB draft but did not sign with the team. Instead, he attended Arizona State University, where he played college baseball.
Hudler was eventually drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 1982 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the team in 1984 and played for them until 1986. He then played for the Baltimore Orioles in 1987 and the Montreal Expos in 1988. In 1989, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played for four seasons.
Hudler's best season came in 1996 when he played for the California Angels. He hit .311 with 16 home runs and 61 RBIs in 129 games. He also stole 25 bases and was named the team's MVP. Hudler played for the Angels until 1998, when he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He retired from baseball after the 1998 season.
Throughout his career, Hudler was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions. He played every position except pitcher and catcher during his career. He was also known for his energetic and enthusiastic personality, which made him a fan favorite.
After retiring from baseball, Hudler became a broadcaster and analyst for several teams, including the Angels, Kansas City Royals, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He also worked as a motivational speaker and wrote a book called "Splinters from the Tree of Life: The Coach Hud Story."
In 2017, Hudler was inducted into the Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame. He remains a beloved figure in the baseball community and is remembered for his passion for the game and his positive attitude.
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