Mike Piazza’s Baseball Reference Page

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Mike Piazza’s Baseball Reference Page

Mike Piazza is a former American professional Baseball Catcher who played in the Major League Baseball from 1992 to 2007. Piazza was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1988 MLB Draft as a favor to Tommy Lasorda the manager of the Dodgers at the time and Piazza’s godfather. Piazza became one of the best catchers of his generation and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

About Mike Piazza

Mike Piazza was born on September 4, 1968, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Verónica and Vince Piazza. Vince Piazza was a minor league player in the Philadelphia Phillies organization from 1963 to 1966. Mike Piazza has two brothers, Vince Jr. and Todd.

Piazza was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 62nd round of the 1988 amateur draft. He signed with the Dodgers on July 28, 1988 for a $15,000 signing bonus. Piazza began his professional career that year with the rookie Las Vegas Stars of the Pacific Coast League (PCL).

Mike Piazza’s Career

Mike Piazza is considered one of the best-hitting catchers of all time. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. Piazza holds several Major League records for home runs and RBIs by a catcher, and is the all-time leader in home runs hit by a catcher. He was selected for 12 All-Star Games during his career, tied with Ivan Rodriguez for the second-most by a catcher in baseball history
Piazza made his Major League debut on September 1, 1992, with the Los Angeles Dodgers . He appeared in 21 games that rookie year, hitting .232/.290/.372 with two home runs and six RBIs. Piazza became a permanent starter midway through his 1993 rookie season. In 1994, he won the NL Rookie of the Year Award and helped lead the Dodgers to the Western Division title.

Mike Piazza’s Stats

Mike Piazza was one of the best catchers in Major League Baseball during his 16-year career. A 12-time All-Star and 10-time Silver Slugger winner, Piazza is considered one of the greatest offensive catchers of all time. He holds the record for most Home Runs by a catcher ( 427) and ranks second all-time in OPS among catchers ( behind only Carlton Fisk).

Piazza was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 62nd round of the 1988 MLB draft but he did not sign with the team. He instead chose to attend Miami Dade College. After one year at Miami Dade Piazza transferred to the University of Phoenix where he played baseball for two years. He was then drafted by the Dodgers in the first round of the 1992 MLB Draft and he signed with the team.

Piazza made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in September 1992 and he quickly established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball. He won Rookie of the Year honors in 1993 and he was traded to the Florida Marlins midway through the 1998 season. Piazza helped lead the Marlins to a World Series title that year, but he was traded to the New York Mets following the season.

Piazza became a fan favorite in New York and he had some of his best seasons with the Mets. He helped lead them to playoff appearances in 2000 and 2006, but they never won a World Series title during his time with the team. Piazza also played for the San Diego Padres Oakland Athletics and Florida Marlins during his career before retiring afterthe 2007 season.

Mike Piazza’s Awards

Throughout his career, Mike Piazza won several awards, including being named Rookie of the Year, being a 12-time All-Star, and 10 Silver Slugger Awards.

Mike Piazza’s Hall of Fame Chances

Mike Piazza’s Hall of Fame Chances

Mike Piazza is a former professional baseball player who played catcher for many teams over the course of his career, including the Los Angeles Dodgers New York Mets and San Diego Padres He was inducted into the national baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Piazza was considered to be one of the best catchers of his generation and is ranked as the greatest offensive catcher in baseball history He was a 12-time All-Star and won 10 Silver Slugger Awards. During his career, he hit .308 with 427 home runs and 1,335 RBIs.

Piazza’s Hall of Fame candidacy was first eligible in 2013 but he received just 62.2% of the vote that year. He reached 67.9% in 2016 but fell short again, with 75% needed for induction. In 2019, he reached 71.6%, his highest total to date but still shy of the necessary 75%.

Mike Piazza’s Legacy

Mike Piazza is widely regarded as one of the best catchers in baseball history A 12-time All-Star, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers Florida Marlins, New York Mets and San Diego Padres over his 16-year career. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Piazza was known for his offensive prowess, setting numerous records for home runs RBIs, and Slugging percentage He was also an excellent defensive catcher, winning 10 Gold Glove Awards In 1993, he became the first rookie catcher ever to start an All-Star game

While Piazza will always be remembered for his on-field accomplishments, he is also credited with helping to heal the wounds of 9/11. Just 10 days after the terrorist attacks, Piazza hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the 8th inning to give the Mets a 3-2 win over their crosstown rivals, the Yankees. The emotional home run is considered one of the most iconic moments in baseball history

Mike Piazza’s Post-Playing Career

Mike Piazza’s post-playing career has been just as successful as his playing career. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, his first year of eligibility. He is currently a studio analyst for MLB Network

Mike Piazza’s Personal Life

Mike Piazza was born on September 4, 1968, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, to Veronica and Vince Piazza. Mike has two brothers, Vince Jr. and Todd. The family is of Italian descent. Growing up, Mike played little League Baseball and basketball. He was a bat boy for the Phillies in 1984. In middle school he played short stop and pitched. He later attended Phoenixville High School where he graduated in 1986.

Piazza played baseball at the University of Miami but was not drafted by any team in the 1988 MLB Draft He later signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent in 1988. Piazza made his debut with the Dodgers’ Rookie-level Gulf Coast League team in 1989 and his first MLB appearance on September 1, 1992.

On May 14, 1995, Piazza was traded to the Florida Marlins for Gary Sheffield and Bobby Bonilla but was then traded four days later to the New York Mets for Ryan Thompson and Geoff Goetz. In 1998, Piazza set Mets single-season records for home runs (40) and RBIs (124) by a catcher en route to being named National League MVP.

Piazza was traded from the Mets to the San Diego Padres on May 22, 2006, for third baseman Dave Magadan catcher Jason Phillips, reliever Heath Bell, and cash considerations. In 2007 he left the Padres as a free agent to play for the Oakland Athletics but returned to San Diego on a one-year contract worth $8 million dollars on January 5, 2009

On April 1st of 2012 Mike retired from baseball after signing a one day contract with his first team the Los Angeles Dodgers making him a Dodger for life

Mike Piazza’s Baseball Cards

Over his career, Mike Piazza has been one of the most popular baseball players Not only was he a great player on the field, but his baseball cards were also highly sought after by collectors. Here is a look at some of Mike Piazza’s most popular baseball cards