With 3,319 career hits, Paul Molitor merits Hall of Fame status.(Warm Up Tosses)

SHORTLY AFTER BEING NAMED BATTING COACH FOR THE SEATTLE MARINERS following the 2003 season, Paul Molitor was looking back on his major league career as an active player.

"If I had to pick one, highlight year, it probably would be 1993, my first season in Toronto," he said.

"I had been with the Brewers for 15 years (1978-1992), and thought maybe I'd finish my career in Milwaukee, but the transition worked out all right and it was nice to be able to put on my resume that I played on a world championship team (1993 Blue Jays)."

He didn't mention it, but Molitor was instrumental in the Jays beating the Phillies in the 1993 World Series, hitting an even .500 (12-for-24), playing first base, third base and as a DH, in addition to being named the classic's MVP award winner.

During his 21-year tour of duty in the majors, Molitor also played three seasons for the Twins (1996-1998). He finished with a .306 lifetime batting average, 605 doubles, 504 stolen bases, and a 39-game hiring streak that he put together in 1987, while leading the American League in hits three times, and in runs scored three times.

He posted a .300 or better batting average 12 times, with highs of .353 with the Brewers in 1987, .341 with the Jays in 1994, and .341 with the Twins in 1996.

A tough out as a line-drive hitter, he was a team player to the core, and at one time or another, he performed at every position in the infield and outfield, in addition to establishing himself as one of the most efficient designated hitters in history.