Borders was brought up in the Toronto Blue Jays system and made his major league debut in 1988, playing in 56 games. Initially playing first and third base, he was converted to a catcher as his defense was deemed not strong enough to keep him in the majors. Over the next few seasons, he earned the full-time position behind the plate, and he was a cornerpiece of the 1992 and 1993 World Series champion teams. In the 1992 Series, he hit .450 with one home run and three runs batted in; his batting average led the team among regular hitters and second overall to Deion Sanders (who batted in only four games).[2] When the Jays won the series, Borders was named the World Series MVP, becoming the sixth catcher (and the first since 1983) to win the award along with the last catcher to win it until 2015.[3] On September 2, 1990, while with the Blue Jays, Borders caught Dave Stieb's no-hitter—the only one in franchise history to date.[4]
Borders was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers to a minor league contract after the 2004 season. On May 19, 2005, he was acquired by Seattle from the Brewers for cash considerations and was assigned to Triple-A Tacoma of the Pacific Coast League. With Seattle's primary catcher Miguel Olivo struggling, and losing backup catcher Dan Wilson to an injury, Borders became Seattle's primary catcher for most of the first half of the 2005 season. Seattle designated him for assignment shortly after the All-Star Break to make room for some younger prospects. During his time in Triple-A Tacoma for the Mariners, Borders stated that he would rather remain in Triple-A, because he was closer to his family, enjoyed the lifestyle, and had enough money.
On January 25, 2006, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Borders to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. On May 27, he announced his retirement.[5] Borders finished his career with a .253 batting average, 69 home runs, and 346 runs batted in in 1,099 games.
On August 7, 2009, the Blue Jays held a pre-game ceremony at the Rogers Centre recognizing members of the 1992 and 1993 World Series teams, including Borders. As part of the event, Borders caught the ceremonial first pitch from Cito Gaston, then in his second stint as Blue Jays manager after leading the team to both Series titles.[6]
