Ed Taubensee, a left-handed hitting catcher, spent a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds. Born on October 31, 1968, in Beeville, Texas, Taubensee was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft. However, he began his major league career with the Cleveland Indians after being traded in 1991.
Taubensee's major league debut came on May 18, 1991, with the Indians. During his time in Cleveland, he shared catching duties and gained valuable experience behind the plate. In 1994, he was traded to the Houston Astros, where he continued to develop his skills as a catcher. His tenure with the Astros was relatively short, but it provided him with the opportunity to refine his defensive abilities and work with a variety of pitchers.
The turning point in Taubensee's career came when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1994. It was with the Reds that he spent the majority of his career and became a regular fixture in their lineup. Known for his ability to handle pitchers and call games, Taubensee became a reliable presence behind the plate. His offensive production also improved during his time in Cincinnati, where he posted some of his best batting averages.
In 1997, Taubensee had one of his most productive seasons, hitting .291 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs. His performance at the plate was complemented by his steady defensive work, making him a valuable asset to the Reds. Over the years, he developed a reputation for being a solid contact hitter, often contributing key hits in crucial situations.
Taubensee's role with the Reds extended beyond his on-field performance. He was known for his leadership qualities and his ability to mentor younger players. His experience and knowledge of the game were assets to the team, both in the clubhouse and on the field.
After his time with the Reds, Taubensee returned to the Cleveland Indians in 2001, where he played his final season in the majors. Over the course of his career, he accumulated a .273 batting average, with 94 home runs and 419 RBIs. His career statistics reflect his consistency and reliability as a player.
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