A lefthander from Ohio, Tabaka did not make his big league debut until he was 30. He spent 1994 with Pittsburgh and San Diego. The next year, he was traded to Houston in mid-season and made 18 appearances the following season. As an Astro, he had a 1-2 record with one save and a 4.23 ERA. He spent additional time with the Reds, Pirates and Cardinals, finishing with a 6-5 record and a two saves with a 4.31 ERA over six seasons.