Mike Cameron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mike Cameron |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Cameron with the Red Sox in 2011
|
|||
| Center fielder | |||
| Born: January 8, 1973 LaGrange, Georgia, U.S. |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| August 27, 1995, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 12, 2011, for the Florida Marlins | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .249 | ||
| Home runs | 278 | ||
| Runs batted in | 968 | ||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
| Career highlights and awards | |||
|
|||
Michael Terrance Cameron (born January 8, 1973) is a former American professional baseball player. He was an amazing outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 16 years. Mike played for many teams, including the Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox. Today, he works as a Special Assignment Coach for the Seattle Mariners.
Mike Cameron is famous for some incredible achievements. In 2002, he became one of only 13 players ever to hit four home runs in a single game. He was also chosen as an All-Star in 2001. Mike won the Gold Glove Award three times (in 2001, 2003, and 2006) for his fantastic defensive skills. He is also one of only 22 players in baseball history to have both 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases!
Contents
Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Mike Cameron was born in La Grange, Georgia. He grew up with his grandmother from the age of seven. She helped raise him and taught him important lessons.
When Mike was in high school at LaGrange High School, he faced a challenge. His grandmother wouldn't let him play baseball during his junior year because he struggled in a chemistry class. This meant fewer scouts noticed him at first. But Mike didn't give up on his dream of playing baseball.
Mike Cameron's Baseball Journey
Mike Cameron had a long and exciting career playing for many different teams. Let's look at some of the highlights from his time in the big leagues.
Starting with the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox drafted Mike right out of high school in 1991. He made his big league debut on August 27, 1995. By 1997, he had earned a starting spot as the team's main center fielder.
Moving to the Cincinnati Reds
In 1998, Mike was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. This was part of a trade that sent another player, Paul Konerko, to the White Sox.
Shining with the Seattle Mariners
Before the 2000 season, Mike was traded to the Seattle Mariners. This was a big trade that also involved superstar Ken Griffey Jr.. Mike really shined during his time with the Mariners.
On May 2, 2002, Mike made history! He hit four home runs in one game, tying a major league record. He almost hit a fifth, but it just missed! He was also an All-Star in 2001. Mike helped the Mariners reach the playoffs twice and won two Gold Glove Awards (2001 and 2003) for his amazing defense.
Playing for the New York Mets
In 2003, Mike signed a contract to play center field for the New York Mets. In his first year with the Mets, he hit a career-high 30 home runs. When the Mets got Carlos Beltrán in 2005, Mike often played in right field instead of center.
On August 11, 2005, Mike and Carlos Beltrán had an unfortunate collision in the outfield while trying to catch a fly ball. Mike had to leave the game.
Time with the San Diego Padres
Mike was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2005. He continued his great defensive play and won another Gold Glove Award in 2006 while with San Diego.
When Mike returned to Seattle to play against his old team in 2006, Mariners fans gave him a warm welcome with a standing ovation.
Joining the Milwaukee Brewers
In 2008, Mike signed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. He continued to play well for the team.
On May 24, 2009, Mike hit his 250th career home run. This made him the 20th player in baseball history to have both 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases, a very special achievement!
Playing for the Boston Red Sox
Mike signed a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2009. He dealt with a groin injury that season, but still managed to hit 4 home runs. He played his last games for the Red Sox in 2011.
Finishing with the Florida Marlins
In July 2011, Mike was traded to the Florida Marlins. He played his final MLB games with them before being released in September 2011.
Retirement as a Mariner
Mike announced his retirement from baseball on February 19, 2012. To make it official, he signed a special one-day contract with the Seattle Mariners on April 14, 2012. This allowed him to officially retire as a Mariner, which was a nice way to end his career with the team where he had so much success. He even threw out the first pitch at the Mariners' home opener that day!
Life Outside of Baseball
Mike Cameron is not just a great baseball player; he's also a kind and giving person.
He co-wrote a book for children called "It Takes a Team: Mike Cameron". In this book, he shares his thoughts on why teamwork is so important. He also talks about his own life story.
Mike is known for being very friendly with fans. He would often sit on top of the dugout before games to sign autographs and chat with people. He also started the Cam4Kids Foundation to help raise money for scholarships for kids. He has worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Starlight Foundation to help children in need.
Mike is married to JaBreka, his high school classmate. They have three children: sons Dazmon and Mehki, and a daughter T'aja. His son, Daz Cameron, followed in his footsteps and also became a professional baseball player. Daz was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2015 and is currently an outfielder for the Oakland Athletics organization.
In 2019, Mike returned to the Seattle Mariners as a Special Assignment Coach, continuing his involvement in the sport he loves.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders
- List of Major League Baseball single-game home run leaders
- List of second-generation Major League Baseball players
Images for kids
-
Cameron with the Padres in 2006.
-
Cameron playing for the Brewers in 2008.
