Jim Traber – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jim Traber wrapped up his professional baseball career in 1989 after six seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. Honestly, his journey started out full of promise but ended up being more about flashes of brilliance than long-term stardom.

He left the majors with a .227 batting average, 27 home runs, and 117 RBIs in 264 games. Still, Traber’s influence in Baltimore baseball went way beyond just those stats.

Traber’s story really shows how unpredictable professional baseball can be. Talent, timing, and opportunity all collide in ways you just can’t plan for.

He was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Columbia, Maryland, only half an hour from Memorial Stadium. In his rookie year, 1986, he became a bit of a local legend when he filled in for the injured Eddie Murray.

That first burst—eight home runs and 22 RBIs in just 17 games—earned him the nickname “The Whammer.” For a little while, he helped the Orioles close a big gap in the division standings.

Switching from Oklahoma State quarterback to major league first baseman wasn’t exactly a typical path. It really highlights how unpredictable athletic careers can be, and the tough choices athletes face.

Traber’s move from college football to pro baseball, his battles with consistency, and his later shift into broadcasting all show just how tricky it is to make it in pro sports.

Early Life and Athletic Background

Jim Traber started out in Columbus, Ohio, born into a family that really valued both school and sports. At Wilde Lake High School in Maryland, he stood out as one of the most versatile athletes in the Baltimore area in the late ’70s.

Family and Childhood in Columbus, Ohio

James Joseph Traber was born December 26, 1961, in Columbus, Ohio. His parents pushed for achievement and hard work.

His dad, Peter Traber—originally Peter Trbovich—was the son of Serbian immigrants from Yugoslavia and worked as an engineer for the Federal Highway Administration.

His mom, Florence Garfall Traber, had Italian roots and grew up in Johnstown, New York. She taught school and was a multi-talented athlete herself, which probably shaped Jim’s interests.

Jim was the youngest of three. His sister Theresa became a lawyer and judge, and his brother Peter went into medicine.

When Jim turned seven in 1969, the family moved to Columbia, Maryland, about 25 miles from Baltimore. That move ended up being huge for his baseball development, since he started playing Little League soon after.

Wilde Lake High School Achievements

At Wilde Lake High School, Traber made a name for himself as a multi-sport athlete. He picked up all-county baseball recognition every year and earned all-metro honors for Baltimore twice.

But he didn’t just stick to baseball. Traber also lettered in football, basketball, and even played tennis. That kind of versatility is rare.

In 1979, he became the first person to win both the Evening Sun’s high school athlete of the year and the Scholar Athlete Award. That pretty much summed up his ability to juggle sports and academics.

He also had a creative side. Traber took on lead roles like Don Quixote, King Arthur, and Buffalo Bill Cody in school plays. He sang in the Concert Choir, too. His coach Frank Rhodes once joked, “If he hadn’t made it in baseball, he’d have made it in singing. He’d charm a buzz saw.”

All-American Status in Football and Baseball

Traber’s high school career earned him All-American honors in more than one sport. Both college scouts and pro baseball teams took notice.

Joe Consoli, a baseball scout who’d played and managed in the minors, tried to recruit Traber straight out of high school. But Traber wanted to stick to his college plans.

He was just as good on the football field. At the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ football banquet in February 1979, coach Jimmy Johnson named Traber as one of his new recruits—a 5’11”, 190-pound quarterback/defensive back.

Having All-American status in both sports opened a lot of doors. He had the rare chance to pick between football and baseball at the college level.

He chose Oklahoma State University on a two-sport scholarship, planning to play both. Eventually, he focused more on baseball.

College Baseball and Draft Journey

Traber’s road to professional baseball ran through Oklahoma State University. He played both baseball and football there in the early ’80s.

He made it to the College World Series twice with OSU before the Baltimore Orioles picked him in the 21st round of the 1982 MLB draft.

Oklahoma State University Athletics

At Oklahoma State, Traber played both baseball and football. He brought the same all-around skills from high school to Stillwater, Oklahoma.

He really started to develop his power as a hitter at OSU, which would later earn him the nickname “The Whammer.” His college years set the stage for his pro career.

College World Series Appearances

Traber’s team at Oklahoma State reached the College World Series twice. Those games were the top level of college baseball.

Playing against the best college players in the country gave him valuable experience. The exposure from those tournaments definitely helped his draft prospects.

His reputation as a power hitter took off during those high-pressure games.

1982 Major League Baseball Draft Details

The Orioles picked Traber in the 21st round of the 1982 MLB draft—he was the 544th overall pick.

They drafted him straight from Oklahoma State after his strong college career.

Being a late-round pick meant he wasn’t expected to jump right into the majors. He had to grind through the minors before getting his shot in Baltimore.

His draft day marked the real start of his pro baseball journey, leading up to his MLB debut on September 21, 1984.

Major League Baseball Career with the Baltimore Orioles

Jim Traber played parts of four seasons with the Orioles between 1984 and 1989. For a while, especially during his hot streak in 1986, he became a local favorite.

He was known for his left-handed power and could play first base, fill in as a designated hitter, or step into the outfield.

MLB Debut and Early Performances

Traber made his MLB debut on September 21, 1984, at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. He was just 22, facing the Boston Red Sox as the DH and batting sixth.

He struck out in his first at-bat against Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd, but got his first MLB hit—a single up the middle—in the fourth inning.

During that September call-up, Traber went 5-for-21. The Orioles liked what they saw and even brought him on their 14-game exhibition tour to Japan after the season.

He showed up on his first baseball card in 1985 as a Donruss “Rated Rookie.” At that point, people saw him as Baltimore’s top hitting prospect.

Role as First Baseman and Competition with Eddie Murray

Traber played mostly at first base, but that meant competing with Hall of Famer Eddie Murray. Murray’s presence meant Traber had to wait for his chance.

That chance came in July 1986 when Murray landed on the disabled list for the first time. Traber stepped in and made a splash with his power hitting.

Earl Weaver, the Orioles’ legendary manager, loved Traber’s approach. Weaver especially liked his knack for hitting three-run home runs, which fit right into his offensive plans.

When Murray came back, both players stayed on the roster for a bit. But Murray eventually took back most of the playing time at first.

Significant Games and Highlights

Traber’s best stretch came in his first 17 games of 1986. He smacked eight home runs and drove in 22 RBIs, earning the nickname “The Whammer” from fans and the press.

He hit his first MLB home run on July 20, 1986, off Minnesota’s Mike Smithson. That three-run blast at Memorial Stadium brought 25,045 fans to their feet.

Just two nights later, Traber went deep twice against Kansas City’s Bret Saberhagen, the reigning Cy Young winner. That performance showed he could handle top pitchers.

His hot streak helped the Orioles close the gap in the AL East, going from nine games out to just two and a half behind.

Position Versatility: Outfielder and DH Appearances

With Murray healthy and Larry Sheets set as the team’s left-handed DH, Traber worked on his defense to stay in the lineup. He started learning the outfield to boost his value.

Frank Robinson, then the bench coach, helped Traber with outfield positioning and instincts. Robinson’s advice made a difference.

Traber continued to get at-bats as a DH, especially early in his career. That flexibility kept him in the mix, even when first base was locked down.

He played his last MLB season in 1989, finishing with 264 games, a .227 average, 27 home runs, and 117 RBIs as an Oriole.

International and Late Career Highlights

After leaving the MLB in 1989, Jim Traber found new chances overseas. He played two seasons with the Kintetsu Buffaloes in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, then spent some time in Mexico’s pro league.

Nippon Professional Baseball with Kintetsu Buffaloes

Traber joined the Kintetsu Buffaloes in 1990, kicking off a two-year run in Japan’s top league. Honestly, he did way better in NPB than he ever did in the majors.

From 1990 to 1991, he put up strong numbers: a .287 batting average with 53 home runs and 184 RBIs.

That .287 average in Japan was a full 60 points higher than his MLB career mark.

Playing Japanese baseball gave Traber a real shot to show off his hitting skills. He got regular time at first base with the Buffaloes.

Memorable Incident with Lotte Orions and Kazumi Sonokawa

Traber’s time in Japan stands out because of a wild on-field incident at Akita Yabase Baseball Stadium. It all started when Lotte Orions pitcher Kazumi Sonokawa hit Traber with a pitch.

Traber didn’t just take it—he charged the mound and chased Sonokawa, who ran toward the outfield. Things got even more heated when Traber tried to go after the pitcher again.

During that second attempt, the catcher knocked Traber off balance as he ran. Traber fell, and Orions manager Masaichi Kaneda kicked him in the face.

Someone caught the entire thing on video, and it spread fast across the internet. Honestly, if you ask most fans, that footage is still one of the most unforgettable moments from Traber’s international days.

Mexican League Experience

After two seasons in Japan, Traber kept his career going in Mexico. He played a year with Monterrey in the Mexican League during 1993.

That Mexican stint was his last shot at extending his playing days. The league often gives guys from MLB and NPB another chance to compete.

His time in Mexico really closed the door on his international playing career. After 1993, Traber stepped away from professional baseball for good.

Retirement from Baseball and Transition to Broadcasting

Jim Traber left professional baseball behind in 1989 and jumped into broadcasting. He found his groove in sports talk radio and television, especially with the Arizona Diamondbacks during their championship run.

Entry into Sports Talk Radio

After hanging up his cleats, Traber realized sports talk radio was his thing. He brought a perspective that listeners actually wanted—real stories from someone who’d been on the field.

He used his baseball smarts and a knack for talking to build up a loyal audience. That former-player angle really set him apart from the typical radio guys.

By the 1990s, his radio career started to take off. This new path let him stay close to the game and carve out a fresh professional identity.

Fox Sports and Arizona Diamondbacks Coverage

Traber joined Fox Sports as a TV broadcaster for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2001 to 2003. That gig landed him right in the middle of one of the franchise’s most exciting chapters.

He teamed up with seasoned broadcasters to provide color commentary and analysis. He handled pre-game shows, post-game breakdowns, and sometimes jumped into game broadcasts.

The timing? Couldn’t have been better. The Diamondbacks were on the rise, and Traber’s debut with the team lined up with their best seasons.

Memorable Moments from 2001 World Series Broadcasts

The 2001 World Series really became the highlight of Traber’s broadcasting run with the Diamondbacks. Arizona went up against the New York Yankees in a dramatic seven-game showdown.

Traber covered the series, offering his takes during a matchup that had baseball fans glued to their screens. Luis Gonzalez’s series-winning hit still gets talked about.

That championship run gave Traber a taste of broadcasting on baseball’s biggest stage. Those World Series broadcasts seriously helped define his media career.

Current Roles with WWLS-FM and Oklahoma City Shows

These days, Traber hosts sports talk radio in Oklahoma City on WWLS-FM. His shows include “The Afternoon Sports Beat” and “Total Dominance Hour.”

He covers both local and national sports topics. Traber dives into Oklahoma college football, NBA hoops, and major league baseball, chatting with regular callers and guests.

His voice has become a staple in Oklahoma City sports media. The shows let him mix his baseball background with coverage of regional teams and hot topics.

Personal Legacy and Recognition

Jim Traber didn’t have the longest baseball career, but you can’t deny his impact on fans or the sport itself. His memorable nickname and move into sports media left a real impression. He showed that athletes can take all sorts of paths after their playing days.

Nickname and Public Persona

James Joseph Traber picked up the nickname “The Whammer” during his explosive 1986 rookie year with the Baltimore Orioles. The name just fit—he crushed baseballs in those unforgettable 17 games.

When he stepped in for the injured Hall of Famer Eddie Murray, Traber made the most of it. He blasted eight home runs and drove in 22 runs in his first month, helping the Orioles close the gap in the standings.

Traber’s bold confidence and natural charisma made him a bit of a folk hero in Baltimore. “A lot of people think I’m cocky, but it’s just that I love to go out there and hit,” he once said about himself.

Manager Earl Weaver stood up for Traber’s attitude, saying, “He just acts like a guy who belongs in the big leagues.” That confidence, plus his singing chops, made him a pretty unique character in pro baseball.

Professional Baseball Community Impact

Traber’s influence on professional baseball went beyond his short time in the majors. His story inspired plenty of minor league players chasing their own big-league dreams.

He stepped up when teams needed him, proving that talent runs deep in baseball’s farm system. Scout Jim Gilbert, who signed Traber for the Orioles, saw something special in him early on.

Traber played wherever the team needed, shifting from first base to the outfield. Manager Frank Robinson worked with him on outfield defense and appreciated his willingness to improve.

His college days at Oklahoma State also left a mark. He broke several school records for doubles and RBIs, helping turn the Cowboys into a baseball powerhouse.

Life Beyond Baseball

After he retired from professional baseball in 1989, Traber dove into sports media and broadcasting. He built a new career in radio as a sports talk show host in Oklahoma City.

From 2001 to 2003, Traber took on a television broadcasting job for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He brought his baseball knowledge straight to a new audience, and honestly, it seemed like a pretty natural fit.

Traber kept singing after his playing days, too. He’d already sung the national anthem during his minor league career, and even before his major league debut on September 21, 1984.

Family life? That worked out well for him as well. He married Joan Sampson while he was still playing and they had a son named Trabes, which just goes to show he found a way to juggle both work and home.