29. Kelly Gruber

Kelly Gruber’s time in Toronto reads like a classic rock-and-roll arc: a slow build in the wings, a sudden explosion into white-hot stardom, and a quick, injury-forced exit just as the band reached the mountaintop. Plucked from the Cleveland organization as an unheralded pick in the 1983 Rule 5 draft, the athletic, right-handed infielder spent years grinding as a reserve utility man. With his signature flowing blonde hair and high-octane playing style, he gradually won over the fans at Exhibition Stadium, officially claiming the everyday third-base job by 1987.

Once established at the critical defensive position, Mr. Gruber combined unwavering, aggressive fielding with a progressively powerful batting approach. His significant breakthrough occurred during a robust 1988 season, wherein he exceeded 150 hits for the first time, while also recording 16 home runs and 23 stolen bases. He advanced further in 1989, achieving the inaugural cycle in Blue Jays history on April 16, and elevating his batting average to .290, thereby earning his first selection to the American League All-Star team.

That steady upward climb culminated in a magnificent 1990 individual masterpiece that set the entire league on notice. Gruber was a force of nature, weaponizing his right-handed stroke to blast a career-high 31 home runs and drive in a towering 118 runs. His explosive offense was matched by flawless technical execution on the diamond, as he captured both a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove Award, along with a fourth-place finish in the AL MVP voting. At 28, he appeared to be on a clear path toward sustained superstardom.

Or so we thought.

Beginning in 1991, severe, nagging shoulder problems and a deeply painful spinal bone spur began to rob him of his quick-twitch reflexes and power base. Though his efficiency collapsed over his final two summers in Toronto, his veteran grit remained an indispensable asset. He gritted his way through 120 games as the starting third baseman for the historic 1992 squad, memorably launching a crucial, game-tying solo home run in the eighth inning of Game 3 of the World Series to help steer the Blue Jays to their first-ever world championship.

Recognizing his worsening health, the front office traded the veteran third baseman to the California Angels that winter for Luis Sojo. Gruber played only 18 final games on the West Coast before retiring at age 31.  With the Blue Jays, he had 800 hits, 145 doubles, 114 home runs, and 434 RBIs with a .259/.307/431 line.