Journey Of Pat Borders: From Ohio To World Series Glory
From Columbus, Ohio to World Series triumphs, Pat Borders‘ journey in the world of baseball is nothing short of spectacular.
Early Life and Background
Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Pat Borders spent most of his formative years in Lake Wales, Florida. At Lake Wales High School, he showcased remarkable prowess in both football and baseball. His exceptional talent on the field led him to make a bold decision: turning down a dual football and baseball scholarship from Mississippi State University to pursue his dreams with the Toronto Blue Jays.
High School/College Baseball Career
Borders was a force to be reckoned with during his high school years, captivating college scouts with his unparalleled skill and fervor for baseball. These formative years not only showcased his prodigious talent but also ingrained in him the discipline and resilience that would serve him throughout his professional journey. He batted .440 as a junior, and as a senior, he batted .510 with a school single-season record of 10 home runs and 36 RBI.
Professional Career
Borders made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1988, initially playing at first and third base before finding his true calling as a catcher. His prowess soon cemented his place in baseball lore. Not only did he clinch two World Series titles with the Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993, but he also played a pivotal role in Dave Stieb’s 1990 no-hitter. In the 1992 Series, his impressive .450 batting average and a home run earned him the World Series MVP award. Remarkably, Borders is among the select few to have both a World Series and an Olympic gold medal in his trophy cabinet.
Borders wrapped up his illustrious career with a commendable .253 batting average, boasting 69 home runs and racking up 346 runs batted in over 1,099 games. His versatility took him beyond the Blue Jays as he also played for teams like the Seattle Mariners.
Notable Career Moments
A pivotal point in his journey was the 1992 World Series, where Borders’ stellar .450 batting average and exemplary defensive skills earned him the esteemed Most Valuable Player award. His significant contribution to the Blue Jays during this period firmly cements his legacy in the annals of baseball.
Career Achievements and Records
Among his many accolades, Borders’ outstanding .450 batting average during the 1992 World Series and his pivotal role in catching Dave Stieb’s no-hitter in 1990 stand out. His leadership, particularly behind the plate, played a foundational role in the consecutive championships secured by the Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993. Deep dive to see the legendary 1993 Toronto Blue Jays.
Post Career Life
In 2009, the Toronto Blue Jays celebrated Borders for his outstanding achievements. Transitioning from player to coach, Borders showed profound dedication, shaping the future of baseball with his seasoned insights. That same year, a pre-game event highlighted the heroes of the 1992 and 1993 World Series, with Borders at the forefront. By June 2015, he took the helm as manager for the Williamsport Crosscutters.
Personal Life
Off the diamond, Borders has been a pillar of strength and inspiration to his beautiful family, comprising a supportive wife and children. His net worth, currently estimated at around $5 million, is a testament to his achievements, both in Major League Baseball and through endorsements and other ventures. Borders was born on May 14, 1963, which makes him 60 years old as of 2023.
Wife & Family
Borders’ close-knit family, particularly his wife and children, provided unwavering support throughout his illustrious career. Beyond his personal realm, Borders has been a beacon for youth baseball programs, dedicating time and resources to inspire and train budding talents.
Pat Borders is a baseball legend whose contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on the baseball community.
Scouting Report: Pat Borders
Pat Borders, standing at 6’2″ and 200 pounds, is a right-handed former Major League Baseball catcher who has a storied history with the league, primarily with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was drafted in the 6th round, 2nd pick, and 134th overall by the Blue Jays in the 1982 June Amateur Draft. Born on May 14, 1963, Borders has shown tremendous tenacity and endurance in his playing career, giving his teams valuable experience and knowledge from behind the plate.
Batting
Borders boasts a career batting average of .253 across 1099 Major League games. His total plate appearances number 3499, during which he accumulated 69 home runs. This might not place him among the most powerful hitters in the league, but his consistency at the plate made him a decent offensive contributor. With an OBP of .288 and a slugging percentage of .375, Borders was more of a contact hitter. He has displayed an ISO of .122, indicating moderate extra-base hit capabilities, but his primary strength is putting the ball in play.
It’s worth noting that in 1988 with the Blue Jays, Borders posted a commendable .273 average with 5 home runs and an OPS of .733 in 56 games. His plate discipline, evidenced by a career walk percentage of 4.4% and a strikeout rate of 15.9%, highlights his controlled approach at the plate.
Fielding
Beyond his batting stats, Borders’ skills as a catcher were pivotal to his teams. While advanced fielding statistics from earlier periods of his career are limited, the available data demonstrates his adaptability. On rare occasions, Borders even played third base, demonstrating versatility. But his true value defensively was as a signal-caller and game manager. His rapport with pitchers and game-calling ability were assets that stats might not fully capture.
Base Running
Borders wasn’t known for his speed on the bases. Over his career, he totaled 9 stolen bases, indicating that base stealing wasn’t a significant part of his offensive arsenal. His speed score, an advanced metric measuring a player’s baserunning ability, stands at a modest 2.3.
Intangibles
Borders’ longevity in the game speaks volumes about his dedication, professionalism, and adaptability. While his statistical contributions were solid, if not spectacular, his value as a veteran presence, particularly for a young pitching staff, can’t be underestimated. His leadership and understanding of the game from the catcher’s position provided invaluable insights to his teammates and coaches.
Areas of Improvement
Over the years, Borders could have benefitted from improving his plate discipline to boost his on-base percentage. Drawing more walks could have placed him in better scoring positions and potentially increased his offensive value. Defensively, while reliable, incorporating more agility-based training might have enhanced his ability to block pitches and gun down runners with more consistency.
Final Thoughts
Pat Borders is a testament to the value of consistency, experience, and adaptability in Major League Baseball. His career .253 batting average and contributions from behind the plate made him a valuable asset to his teams. His ability to stick around in the league for such an extended period indicates not just talent but also a profound understanding of the game.
While he might not be remembered as one of the greats of the game, any team would be lucky to have a player like Borders: someone who brings a steady hand, valuable insights, and a professional approach every single day.
