Randy Knorr's journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to the life of a dedicated catcher who spent over a decade in the sport. Born on November 12, 1968, in San Gabriel, California, Knorr's professional career began when he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 10th round of the 1986 MLB Draft. His path to the majors was marked by perseverance and hard work, as he honed his skills in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut.
Knorr first appeared in the major leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1991. As a catcher, he played a supporting role on a team that was building towards its peak. During his time with the Blue Jays, Knorr was part of the roster during their back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. Although he was not the starting catcher, his presence on the team provided depth and reliability behind the plate.
In 1995, Knorr was traded to the Houston Astros, where he continued to serve as a backup catcher. His tenure with the Astros lasted until 1996, after which he moved to the Florida Marlins. His time with the Marlins was brief, and he soon found himself with the Texas Rangers in 1997. Throughout these transitions, Knorr's role remained consistent as a dependable backup catcher, valued for his defensive skills and ability to handle pitchers.
Knorr's career also included stints with the Montreal Expos and the Detroit Tigers. With the Expos, he played during the 2000 season, and his experience was an asset to the team. His final MLB appearance came with the Tigers in 2001, marking the end of his playing days in the major leagues.
Over the course of his career, Knorr played in 253 major league games. His batting average stood at .226, with 24 home runs and 88 RBIs. While his offensive numbers were modest, his contributions behind the plate were appreciated by the teams he played for. Catchers often play a crucial role in managing the game, and Knorr's ability to work with pitchers was a valued skill throughout his career.
After retiring as a player, Knorr transitioned into coaching and player development roles. He returned to the Washington Nationals organization, where he served in various capacities, including as a bullpen coach and bench coach. His experience as a former player provided valuable insights into the game, and he continued to be involved in baseball beyond his playing years.
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