Rex Hudler is an American sportscaster and former professional baseball player known for his energetic approach to both competition and broadcasting. Selected by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 1978 MLB Draft, he later played as a utility infielder and outfielder for six Major League Baseball teams.
After concluding his playing career, Hudler became a color commentator. He worked on Los Angeles Angels broadcasts from 1999 through 2009 and joined the Kansas City Royals broadcasting team in 2012. His career also includes baseball video game commentary and advocacy for people with Down syndrome.
Profile Summary
| Profile detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Rex Allen Hudler |
| Profession | Sportscaster and former professional baseball player |
| Date of birth | September 2, 1960 |
| Age | 65 years old |
| Birthplace | Tempe, Arizona, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac sign | Virgo |
| Playing positions | Utility infielder and outfielder |
| MLB Draft | First round of the 1978 draft |
| Drafted by | New York Yankees |
| MLB playing career | 1984–1998 |
| MLB teams | Six |
| Japanese team | Yakult Swallows |
| Broadcasting roles | Los Angeles Angels and Kansas City Royals |
| Spouse | Jennifer Hudler |
| Children | Four |
| Notable recognition | Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame |
| Advocacy | Team Up for Down Syndrome |
Early Life and Background
Rex Hudler was born on September 2, 1960, in Tempe, Arizona. He demonstrated athletic ability during his youth and developed into a promising baseball player.
Rex Hudler attended Bullard High School in Fresno, California. His performance attracted the attention of professional scouts, and the New York Yankees selected him in the first round of the 1978 MLB Draft.
Being chosen in the opening round placed Hudler among the most highly rated young players in his draft class. He entered professional baseball directly from high school and began developing within the Yankees’ minor-league system.
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Career and Professional Journey
Minor-League Development
Rex Hudler spent several years in the minor leagues before reaching Major League Baseball. During that period, he developed the positional flexibility that later became a defining part of his career.
Rather than being limited to one defensive role, Hudler played at several infield and outfield positions. That versatility allowed teams to use him in different situations, including as a starter, substitute, defensive replacement, and pinch runner.
MLB Debut with the New York Yankees
Hudler made his major-league debut with the New York Yankees in 1984. His time with the organization marked the beginning of an MLB career that continued through 1998.
He subsequently played for the Baltimore Orioles, Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals, California Angels, and Philadelphia Phillies. His ability to cover multiple positions helped him maintain a place on major-league rosters across different organizations.
Hudler was known for an energetic style of play. Speed and defensive flexibility were important elements of his value, while his experience across the field gave managers several options when constructing a lineup or making an in-game substitution.
Professional Baseball in Japan
In 1993, Hudler played for the Yakult Swallows in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball organization. His season in Japan added an international dimension to his career and exposed him to a baseball culture with different playing and training traditions.
Rex Hudler returned to MLB after his time in Japan. He joined the California Angels and later completed his major-league career with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1998.
Transition to Broadcasting
Following his retirement as a player, Hudler moved into sportscasting. His professional experience allowed him to explain strategy and on-field situations from a former player’s perspective.
In 1999, he became a color commentator for the Angels. He remained in that position through 2009, providing analysis alongside play-by-play announcers and discussing player preparation, defensive decisions, baserunning, and other aspects of the game.
The broadcasting role also continued Hudler’s long association with the Angels organization. He had previously played for the club during the 1990s.
Kansas City Royals Broadcasting Career
Hudler joined the Kansas City Royals television broadcasting team as a color commentator in 2012. His responsibilities have included analyzing games, explaining strategic decisions, and offering observations informed by his playing career.
His presentation is characterized by enthusiasm and a strong focus on effort, preparation, and the mental demands of professional baseball. His experience as a utility player gives him a broad perspective on the responsibilities of athletes occupying different positions.
Baseball Video Game Commentary
Rex Hudler also became familiar to baseball fans through his work in video games. He was featured as an announcer in multiple baseball titles during the 2000s, including entries associated with MLB: The Show and ESPN Major League Baseball.
He worked with broadcaster Jon Miller on ESPN Major League Baseball. Their recorded commentary was designed to reproduce the structure and atmosphere of a televised baseball broadcast.
These appearances expanded Hudler’s audience beyond viewers of Angels and Royals games. They also made his voice recognizable to players of baseball video games during that period.
Major Achievements and Recognition
First-Round Draft Selection
Rex Hudler’s selection by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 1978 MLB Draft was an important early achievement. It reflected his standing as a highly regarded young athlete and began a professional career that lasted for two decades across the minor leagues, MLB, and Japanese baseball.
Career with Six MLB Teams
Playing for six major-league organizations demonstrated Hudler’s adaptability. He contributed as an infielder and outfielder rather than building his career around a single defensive position.
His MLB teams were:
- New York Yankees
- Baltimore Orioles
- Montreal Expos
- St. Louis Cardinals
- California Angels
- Philadelphia Phillies
His professional journey also included the Yakult Swallows in Japan.
Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame
Hudler was inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. The honor recognized his athletic career and connection to the Fresno community.
His induction came shortly after the conclusion of his MLB playing career and during the beginning of his work as a broadcaster.
Work Across Different Areas of Baseball
Hudler’s career covers three distinct areas of professional baseball: playing, live broadcasting, and video game commentary. This combination has enabled him to remain involved with the sport after his retirement from active competition.
His playing background gives his commentary an experiential foundation. He can analyze the practical demands placed on utility players, baserunners, infielders, and outfielders based on responsibilities he handled during his own career.
Down Syndrome Advocacy
Hudler and his wife, Jennifer, have four children. One of their children has Down syndrome, and the family’s experience has informed Hudler’s public advocacy.
He has worked with Team Up for Down Syndrome, an initiative associated with supporting people with Down syndrome and their families. His advocacy represents a significant part of his public activity outside baseball.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Rex Hudler?
Rex Hudler is 65 years old. He was born on September 2, 1960, in Tempe, Arizona.
Which MLB teams did Rex Hudler play for?
Hudler played for the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals, California Angels, and Philadelphia Phillies. He also played for the Yakult Swallows in Japan.
What position did Rex Hudler play?
Hudler was a utility player who appeared at multiple infield and outfield positions. His defensive flexibility allowed teams to use him in several roles throughout his career.
When did Rex Hudler become a Kansas City Royals broadcaster?
Hudler joined the Kansas City Royals television broadcasting team as a color commentator in 2012. Before that, he worked as an Angels color commentator from 1999 through 2009.
Who is Rex Hudler’s wife?
Rex Hudler is married to Jennifer Hudler. They have four children and have been involved in advocacy supporting people with Down syndrome and their families.
Conclusion
Rex Hudler built a multifaceted baseball career after being selected by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 1978 MLB Draft. He played for six MLB teams between 1984 and 1998 and also gained professional experience in Japan.
After retiring as a player, Hudler established a second career in broadcasting. He served as an Angels color commentator before joining the Kansas City Royals broadcast team in 2012. His work in baseball video games, Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame induction, and Down syndrome advocacy further illustrate a public career extending beyond his years on the field.
