O\'Brien was a solid defensive catcher and a modest right-handed batter. He is best remembered for pioneering the hockey-style catcher\'s mask. He was playing with the Toronto Blue Jays when he invented this different style of mask. During his tenure with the Braves, O\'Brien was notable for being the personal catcher for Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux. \n', '

O\'Brien grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, beginning to play baseball as a catcher at the age of 5. While growing up in Tulsa, O\'Brien attended and graduated from Bishop Kelley High School. The Texas Rangers drafted O\'Brien in the 14th round of the 1978 MLB draft, but did not sign him. O\'Brien attended Wichita State University, where he played college baseball for the Wichita State Shockers baseball team. The Seattle Mariners drafted O\'Brien in the 21st round of the 1981 MLB draft, but O\'Brien did not sign, returning to college for his senior year.\n', '

In his senior year, O\'Brien set school records, hitting 25 home runs and driving in 116 runs as the Shockers reached the finals of the 1982 College World Series. The Oakland Athletics drafted O\'Brien in the fifth round of the 1982 MLB draft, and signed him. O\'Brien made his MLB debut with the Athletics on June 2, 1985.\n', '

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