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Mike Schmidt
Mike Schmidt
Third baseman
Born: September 27, 1949 (1949-09-27) (age 58)
Dayton, Ohio
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 12, 1972
for the Philadelphia Phillies
Final game
May 28, 1989
for the Philadelphia Phillies
Career statistics
Batting average     . A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in Baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of Events 489 - Odoacer attacks Theodoric at the Battle of Verona and is defeated again Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Dayton is a city in southwestern Ohio, United States. It is the County seat and largest city of Montgomery County. Events 1213 - Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Labor strife and more moving 1972 was tainted by a players' strike over pension and salary arbitration The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Events 585 BC - A Solar eclipse occurs as predicted by Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Oakland Athletics over San Francisco Giants (4-0 Dave Stewart, The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Batting average is a Statistic in both Cricket and Baseball measuring the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters, respectively 267
Home runs     548
Runs batted in     1,595
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Member of the National
Baseball Hall of Fame
Elected     1995
Vote     96. The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Labor strife and more moving 1972 was tainted by a players' strike over pension and salary arbitration Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Oakland Athletics over San Francisco Giants (4-0 Dave Stewart, The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also popularly known as the "Midsummer Classic" is an annual Baseball game between players from the National League For other events named "World Series" see World Series (disambiguation. The 1980 World Series matched the Philadelphia Phillies against the Kansas City Royals, with the Phillies winning in six games to capture the only World Series title For the award given to amateur boxers see Golden Gloves. In American Baseball, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to The The Most Valuable Player Award (commonly known as the MVP award is an annual award given to one outstanding player in each league of Major League Baseball. The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his team's success in the World Series - the Most Valuable Player. The Lou Gehrig Memorial Award was created by the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity in honor of the former Major League Baseball player Lou Gehrig, who was a member of the The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Atlanta Braves over Cleveland Indians (4-2 Tom Glavine, MVP 5% (first ballot)

Michael Jack Schmidt (born September 27, 1949 in Dayton, Ohio) is a former professional baseball player who played his entire career for the Philadelphia Phillies. Events 489 - Odoacer attacks Theodoric at the Battle of Verona and is defeated again Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Dayton is a city in southwestern Ohio, United States. It is the County seat and largest city of Montgomery County. Baseball is a Bat-and-ball Sport played between two teams of nine players each Career is a term defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as an individual's "course or progress through life (or a distinct portion of life" The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Schmidt was voted National League MVP three times, an All-Star 12 times, and received more votes than any other third basemen in 1999's Major League Baseball All-Century Team. A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in Baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of In 1999 MasterCard sponsored the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. In 1995, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame along with another Phillies great Richie Ashburn. Don Richard "Richie" Ashburn ( March 19 1927 — September 9 1997) also known by the nickname " Whitey " due to [1]

Contents

Career

The early days

Mike Schmidt graduated from Fairview High School in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967 and enrolled at the Ohio University in Athens. Fairview High School can refer to In Canada: Fairview High School (Alberta, in Fairview Alberta In the United States Dayton is a city in southwestern Ohio, United States. It is the County seat and largest city of Montgomery County. Ohio University is a public university located in Athens Ohio that is situated on a 1800 acre (7 Athens is a historic College town in the southeastern part of the U He quickly established himself as the Bobcats' best player, primarily at shortstop. Ohio University features 16 varsity sports teams called the Bobcats. Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and Third base. He was successful in the classroom, as well as on the athletic field, majoring in architecture. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

The Phillies drafted Schmidt in the second round (30th overall) of the Major League Baseball Draft in 1971. The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The First-Year Player Draft, also known as the Rule 4 Draft, is Major League Baseball 's primary mechanism for assigning amateur baseball players from high schools Champions Major League Baseball World Series MVP Roberto Clemente All-Star Game, July 13 at The player selected immediately before Schmidt was another future Hall of Famer, George Brett. George Howard Brett (born May 15, 1953 in Glen Dale West Virginia) is a former Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals

The Phillies assigned Schmidt to their farm system where he rapidly progressed, joining the Phillies in 1972. Labor strife and more moving 1972 was tainted by a players' strike over pension and salary arbitration In his first full season, 1973, Schmidt struggled, batting only . Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Oakland Athletics over New York Mets (4-3 Reggie Jackson, 196.

Blossoming

Schmidt had a breakout season in 1974, leading the National League in home runs and demonstrating his prowess in the field. Champions Major League Baseball 1974 World Series: Oakland Athletics over Los Angeles Dodgers (4-1 Rollie Fingers The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the National League ( NL) is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball For the rest of the 1970s Schmidt excelled with bat and glove, winning two more home-run titles and a succession of Gold Gloves. For the award given to amateur boxers see Golden Gloves. In American Baseball, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to He helped the Phillies win three straight division titles from 1976 to 1978, the team's first post-season appearances since 1950. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Cincinnati Reds over New York Yankees (4-0 Johnny Bench, MVP Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Los Angeles Dodgers (4-2 Bucky Dent, MVP

Schmidt had a powerful arm and was especially talented at fielding short grounders barehanded. His 404 assists in 1974 remain a record for third basemen. Statistics play an important role in summarizing Baseball performance and evaluating players in the Sport. Champions Major League Baseball 1974 World Series: Oakland Athletics over Los Angeles Dodgers (4-1 Rollie Fingers Schmidt also filled in at shortstop and first base when needed. First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a Baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run

On June 10, 1974, Schmidt hit what many felt should have been a home run when the ball hit the public address speaker that hung 117 feet above and 329 feet away from home plate at the Astrodome in Houston. Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem Champions Major League Baseball 1974 World Series: Oakland Athletics over Los Angeles Dodgers (4-1 Rollie Fingers For the aeronautical use see Astrodome (aviation Reliant Astrodome, also known as the Houston Astrodome or simply the Astrodome The ball hit the speaker, fell to the field, and, by the Astrodome's ground rules, remained in play. Since Schmidt had already started his slow home-run trot, he was held to a single. (There were runners on first and second when the ball was hit, and they each advanced only one base. ) Many experts agree the ball would have traveled in excess of 500 feet.

In 1976, Schmidt hit 12 home runs in Philadelphia's first 15 games, including 4 in one game on April 17[1]. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Cincinnati Reds over New York Yankees (4-0 Johnny Bench, MVP No one had hit this many home runs so quickly. The feat was later tied by Alex Rodriguez in 2007. Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez (born July 27 1975 in New York New York) commonly nicknamed A-Rod, is an American Third baseman for the Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Minor League Baseball Schmidt won his first of 10 Gold Gloves that year and carried the Phillies to the 1976 NLCS where he hit . 308.

In 1980, Schmidt elevated his game, leading the league in home runs with 48 (by a margin of 13 over his nearest competition), and winning the National League's Most Valuable Player Award in a unanimous vote. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Philadelphia Phillies over Kansas City Royals (4-2 Mike Schmidt, MVP The Most Valuable Player Award (commonly known as the MVP award is an annual award given to one outstanding player in each league of Major League Baseball. The Phillies reached the World Series and, for the first (and only) time in team history, won it, defeating the Kansas City Royals, led by George Brett. The 1980 World Series matched the Philadelphia Phillies against the Kansas City Royals, with the Phillies winning in six games to capture the only World Series title The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. George Howard Brett (born May 15, 1953 in Glen Dale West Virginia) is a former Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals Schmidt was selected as MVP of the World Series, hitting two homers and driving in seven runs. The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his team's success in the World Series - the Most Valuable Player.

Coincidentally, Schmidt broke the club record for home runs in a season, Chuck Klein's 43 in 1929. Charles Herbert "Chuck" Klein ( October 7 1904 - March 28 1958) was a Major League Baseball player who played for the Champions World Series: Philadelphia Athletics over Chicago Cubs (4-1 Awards and honors Schmidt's team record would stand for 26 years until first baseman and 2006 National League MVP Ryan Howard hit 58 home runs in 2006. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Most Valuable Player Award (commonly known as the MVP award is an annual award given to one outstanding player in each league of Major League Baseball. Ryan James Howard (born November 19, 1979, in St Louis Missouri) is a baseball player who plays First base for the Philadelphia Phillies 2006 Major League Baseball season|2006 Nippon Professional Baseball season Headline Event of the Year The 2006 World Baseball Classic is a surprise success

In 1981, the Phillies again reached the postseason and Schmidt won his second MVP Award. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers over New York Yankees (4-2 Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero The National League Division Series ( NLDS) the opening round of the 1981 National League playoffs began on Tuesday October 6, and ended on In 1983, in celebration of the team's 100th anniversary, Schmidt was voted by fans as the greatest player in the history of the franchise. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Baltimore Orioles over Philadelphia Phillies (4-1 Rick Dempsey, That year, Schmidt led the Phillies back to the World Series, but they were defeated by the Baltimore Orioles. The 1983 World Series matched the American League champion Baltimore Orioles against the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies, with the Orioles winning The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1985, Schmidt played primarily first base from late-May through the end of the season. Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a Baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) In 1986, Schmidt won his third MVP Award, a record for a third baseman. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Mets over Boston Red Sox (4-3 Ray Knight, MVP In 1987, Schmidt hit his career 500th home run in Pittsburgh, in the ninth inning of a game, providing the winning margin in an 8-6 victory. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Minnesota Twins over St

Relationship with Fans

Philadelphia fans are a tough bunch, and sometimes they got under the skin of the sensitive third baseman. Schmidt once referred to the locals as "beyond help" and Veterans Stadium as a "mob scene, uncontrollable. " When it came time to take the field after those comments, Schmidt came out wearing a wig and shades as a gag to hide from the boo-birds. The Veterans Studium crowd erupted in laughter and gave Schmidt a standing ovation.

Retirement

Injuries to Schmidt's rotator cuff caused him to miss much of the 1988 season. See also 1988 Major League Baseball season Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers After a poor start to the 1989 season, Schmidt chose suddenly to announce his retirement in San Diego, on May 29. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Oakland Athletics over San Francisco Giants (4-0 Dave Stewart, Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Known as "Captain Cool" by many in Philadelphia sports circles, Schmidt surprised many with an emotional, and occasionally tearful, retirement speech. Despite his poor start and subsequent retirement, or because of it, fans again voted Schmidt to the NL All-Star team.

Awards

Over his career Schmidt set a vast array of hitting and fielding records. In addition to his MVP Awards, Schmidt won ten Gold Gloves, led the league in home runs eight times, in RBI four times, OPS five times, and walks four times. For the award given to amateur boxers see Golden Gloves. In American Baseball, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to Statistics play an important role in summarizing Baseball performance and evaluating players in the Sport. Statistics play an important role in summarizing Baseball performance and evaluating players in the Sport. Statistics play an important role in summarizing Baseball performance and evaluating players in the Sport. He was named to twelve All-Star teams. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also popularly known as the "Midsummer Classic" is an annual Baseball game between players from the National League Schmidt finished his career with 548 home runs and 1,595 RBI, two of the many Phillies career records he holds.

In the year after his retirement, Schmidt spent one season as a member of the Phillies broadcast team on the now-defunct PRISM network. He was known as a very candid and honest broadcaster despite his limited experience in the area.

In 1995, Schmidt was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame with what was then the 4th-highest percentage ever, 96. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: Atlanta Braves over Cleveland Indians (4-2 Tom Glavine, MVP 52% (Nolan Ryan and George Brett surpassed his percentage in 1999). Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr (born January 31, 1947 in Refugio, Texas) is a retired American Right-handed Pitcher in George Howard Brett (born May 15, 1953 in Glen Dale West Virginia) is a former Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-0 Mariano Rivera, MVP

Schmidt opted, at first, to pursue a more private lifestyle after his career, rather than to become a manager or coach. In Baseball, the head coach of a team is called the manager (or more formally the field manager) this individual controls matters Coach (baseball|Coach (basketball|Coach (ice hockeyIn Sports a coach or manager is an individual involved in the direction instruction and training of the operations He has written a number of articles on baseball for CBS and regularly participates in charity golf tournaments. CBS Broadcasting Inc ( CBS) is an American radio and Television network.

In 1999, he ranked number 28 on The Sporting News's list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, the highest-ranking third baseman, and the highest-ranking player whose career began after 1967. Champions Major League Baseball World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-0 Mariano Rivera, MVP Sporting News (previously The Sporting News, and known colloquially as TSN) is an American -based Sports In 1998 The Sporting News compiled a list of Baseball's Greatest Players Champions Major League Baseball World Series: St Louis Cardinals over Boston Red Sox (4-3 Bob Gibson, MVP Later that year, he was elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. In 1999 MasterCard sponsored the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

His uniform number 20 has been retired by the Phillies, and he has been honored with a statue outside the third-base gate at the team's new home, Citizens Bank Park. Citizens Bank Park is a 43647-seat Baseball -only Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that opened on April 3, 2004

Miscellaneous

Schmidt has publicly expressed his thoughts on various baseball controversies. He has been a vocal advocate for the reinstatement of Pete Rose to baseball. An advocate is one who speaks on behalf of another person especially in a legal context In July 2005, he appeared on Bob Costas' HBO show Costas Now to discuss steroids, and said, "Let me go out on a limb and say that if I had played during that era I would have taken steroids. Robert Quinlan "Bob" Costas (born March 22, 1952) is a Sportscaster, on the air for the NBC network since the early 1980s . . We all have these things we deal with in life, and I'm surely not going to sit here and say to you guys, 'I wouldn't have done that. '" In his 2006 book, "Clearing the Bases: Juiced Players, Shrinking Ballparks, Sham Records, and a Hall of Famer's Search for the Soul of Baseball", he somewhat recanted that statement, saying that he understood the desire to get a competitive advantage even though he could not condone breaking the rules to do so.

In 2002, Schmidt was hired by the Phillies to work for several weeks as a hitting coach, each spring training. Champions Major League Baseball Regular Season Champions Other champions Caribbean World Series: Coach (baseball|Coach (basketball|Coach (ice hockeyIn Sports a coach or manager is an individual involved in the direction instruction and training of the operations In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the Regular season. In October 2003, Schmidt was named the manager of the Clearwater Threshers in the Florida State League, a Single A team within the Phillies minor league system. October 2003: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - The Clearwater Threshers are a Florida State League baseball team based in Clearwater Florida. The Florida State League is a Class A Advanced Minor League Baseball league which operates in the state of Florida. This is a list of Minor league baseball leagues and teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Part of the History of baseball series Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of Professional baseball leagues in North He managed them in the 2004 season and then resigned.

Style of play

Schmidt demonstrated little emotion on the field and was perceived as being somewhat aloof. He had an unusual batting stance, turning his back somewhat to the pitcher and waving his posterior while waiting for the pitch. In Baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the Pitcher's mound toward the Catcher to begin each play with the goal of By standing far back in the batter's box, it was impossible to jam him by pitching inside. Schmidt was one of the best athletes of his time; teammate Pete Rose once said, "To have his body, I'd trade him mine and my wife's, and I'd throw in some cash. "

Philanthropy

Schmidt continues to sponsor the Mike Schmidt Bahamas Winner's Circle Invitational. The first year of the event in 2001, he gathered a small group of friends and held a kick-off dinner, raising $27,000. Through 2007, the Mike Schmidt Winners Circle Invitational has raised over $1,000,000.

In 2008, Schmidt released a charity wine called Mike Schmidt 548 Zinfandel, a nod to his 548 career home runs, with all of his proceeds donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

See also

Bibliography

References

  1. ^ Mike Schmidt. National Baseball Hall of Fame.

External links

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