Gregg Zaun's journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Born on April 14, 1971, in Glendale, California, Zaun grew up in a family with a rich baseball heritage. His uncle, Rick Dempsey, was a well-known catcher in the MLB, which undoubtedly influenced Zaun's path in the sport. Gregg Zaun attended St. Francis High School in La Cañada, California, where he honed his skills before being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 17th round of the 1989 MLB Draft.
Zaun made his MLB debut with the Orioles in 1995. As a catcher, he was known for his defensive skills and ability to handle a pitching staff. His time with the Orioles was relatively short, and he was traded to the Florida Marlins in 1996. It was with the Marlins that Zaun experienced one of the highlights of his career. In 1997, he was part of the team that won the World Series, defeating the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling seven-game series. Although he played a backup role to starting catcher Charles Johnson, Zaun's presence on the roster contributed to the team's depth and success.
Following his stint with the Marlins, Zaun's career took him to several teams, including the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, and Colorado Rockies. His role often involved serving as a backup catcher, providing veteran leadership and stability behind the plate. Despite not being a regular starter, Zaun's ability to work with pitchers and his understanding of the game made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
In 2004, Zaun signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he found a more consistent role. Over the next five seasons, he became a familiar face to Blue Jays fans, known for his gritty play and leadership on and off the field. During his time in Toronto, Zaun achieved career highs in several offensive categories, including home runs and RBIs. His performance in the 2005 season was particularly noteworthy, as he played in 133 games and posted a .251 batting average with 11 home runs and 61 RBIs.
Zaun's tenure with the Blue Jays ended after the 2008 season, and he went on to play for the Baltimore Orioles once again in 2009. Later that year, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he finished the season. In 2010, Zaun signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, but his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury that ultimately led to his retirement from professional baseball.
Throughout his career, Zaun was known for his work ethic and ability to mentor younger players. His experience and knowledge of the game made him a respected figure in the clubhouse. After retiring as a player, Zaun transitioned to a career in broadcasting, where he continued to share his insights and analysis of the game.
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