Gruber (second from the right) probably should have held back a bit. Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Kelly Gruber axed from Canadian Hall of Fame events over apparent drunken episode

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Michael Dixon | Last updated 6/18/18

Former Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kelly Gruber was recently called upon to be a “Pitch Talks” panelist at an event around last weekend’s Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame ceremonies. Things didn’t go well.

Gruber was on hand to support friend a former teammate Lloyd Moseby, who was inducted. But upon being called to the stage, Gruber made derogatory comments to host Ashley Docking and generally appeared to be intoxicated.

Ohhh geeze Kelly Gruberhttps://t.co/3nSzZbC1VD

do you think he was drunk on stage @LongTplexTrader @rickydee82 @justtradin @markberrytweets @BayStreetBull ?

Go to 57:35 min mark https://t.co/lhcalKes9L

— Infinitus Capital (@InfinitusCap) June 15, 2018

As a result of his actions, Gruber was asked not to participate in any more events around the Hall of Fame ceremony, or “Pitch Talks” panels.

My statement regarding Kelly Gruber’s behaviour at last night’s @PitchTalks event. Proud to call @SmrtAsh my friend and colleague. pic.twitter.com/2MthcHanKw

— Kevin Kennedy (@LocalAgitator) June 15, 2018

Per Gregory Strong of Canadian Press Sports, Gruber did issue one comment.

“There’s two sides to every story and I would love to tell mine,” Gruber said. “Maybe what I said was taken the wrong way. My intention for being there was to honour my teammate and buddy Lloyd, and the interview part went south for a variety of reasons which I will detail at a later date.”

Maybe his eventual explanation (assuming one comes) will shed some light on this. Until then, though, this was not a good look for Gruber.

Gruber played from 1984-1993. He was a Blue Jay through the 1992 season and was a part of the franchise’s first World Series championship team. He retired after an 18-game stint with the then California Angels in 1993.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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