Rance Mulliniks, a left-handed hitting infielder, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Toronto Blue Jays. Born on January 15, 1956, in Tulare, California, Mulliniks was drafted by the California Angels in the 1974 amateur draft. He made his MLB debut with the Angels in 1977, primarily playing as a shortstop. However, his time with the Angels was brief, and he was traded to the Kansas City Royals in 1979.
Mulliniks' career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1982. It was with the Blue Jays that he found a more stable role, transitioning from shortstop to third base. This move proved beneficial, as he became a regular fixture in the Blue Jays' lineup throughout the 1980s. Known for his disciplined approach at the plate, Mulliniks developed a reputation for his ability to get on base, boasting a career on-base percentage of .361.
During his tenure with the Blue Jays, Mulliniks was part of a team that was steadily building towards becoming a powerhouse in the American League East. He played a crucial role in the Blue Jays' first-ever division title in 1985. That season, Mulliniks posted a .295 batting average, contributing significantly to the team's success. His performance in the 1985 American League Championship Series, although the Blue Jays lost to the Kansas City Royals, was a testament to his steady presence on the field.
Mulliniks continued to be a reliable player for Toronto, often platooning at third base with Garth Iorg. This platoon system allowed the Blue Jays to maximize the strengths of both players, with Mulliniks facing right-handed pitchers and Iorg taking on left-handers. This strategy proved effective, as Mulliniks consistently delivered solid offensive numbers, including a career-high .324 batting average in 1984.
As the Blue Jays continued to compete at a high level, Mulliniks remained a valuable member of the team. He was part of the squad that won the division again in 1989, although they fell short in the playoffs against the Oakland Athletics. Despite not being a power hitter, Mulliniks' ability to get on base and his defensive reliability made him an integral part of the Blue Jays' infield.
In the early 1990s, as the Blue Jays began to integrate younger talent into their roster, Mulliniks' role gradually diminished. He retired after the 1992 season, the same year the Blue Jays won their first World Series championship. Although he did not play in the postseason that year, his contributions to the team over the previous decade were acknowledged and appreciated by fans and teammates alike.
After retiring from playing, Mulliniks transitioned to a career in broadcasting, providing color commentary for Blue Jays games. His insights and experience as a former player offered valuable perspectives to viewers, further cementing his connection to the team and its fanbase.
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