Ernie Whitt's journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to his skill and perseverance as a catcher. Born on June 13, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, Whitt's path to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 15th round of the 1972 amateur draft. However, it was with the Toronto Blue Jays that he would spend the majority of his career and become a fan favorite.
Whitt made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox in 1976, but it was a brief stint. His career truly began to take shape after he was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1976 expansion draft. As one of the original members of the Blue Jays, Whitt became a fixture behind the plate for the team. His left-handed batting stance and solid defensive skills quickly earned him a regular spot in the lineup.
Throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s, Whitt established himself as a reliable catcher for the Blue Jays. He was known for his ability to handle pitchers and his strong arm, which helped him control the running game. Offensively, Whitt provided consistent power, reaching double-digit home run totals in several seasons. His best offensive season came in 1987 when he hit 19 home runs and drove in 75 runs, contributing significantly to the Blue Jays' lineup.
Whitt's leadership on the field was evident as he helped guide a young Blue Jays team through its formative years. By the mid-1980s, Toronto had become a competitive team in the American League East, and Whitt's experience was invaluable. He was part of the Blue Jays' first-ever playoff team in 1985, when they won the American League East division title. Although the team fell short in the American League Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals, Whitt's performance was commendable.
In addition to his time with the Blue Jays, Whitt also played for the Atlanta Braves and the Baltimore Orioles towards the end of his career. He joined the Braves in 1990 and spent one season with them before moving to the Orioles in 1991. Despite these changes, Whitt's most enduring legacy remains with the Blue Jays, where he spent the bulk of his career and became one of the team's most respected players.
Whitt's career was marked by his selection to the American League All-Star team in 1985, a recognition of his skills and contributions to the game. Over his career, he accumulated a batting average of .249, with 134 home runs and 534 runs batted in. His defensive prowess and ability to manage a pitching staff were equally important to his teams' successes.
After retiring as a player, Whitt continued his involvement in baseball, transitioning into coaching and management roles. He served as a coach for various teams, including the Blue Jays, and also managed the Canadian national baseball team, leading them in international competitions.
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