Mike Easler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mike Easler |
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| Left fielder / Designated hitter | |||
| Born: November 29, 1950 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: September 5, 1973, for the Houston Astros | |||
| NPB: May 19, 1988, for the Nippon-Ham Fighters | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| MLB: October 4, 1987, for the New York Yankees | |||
| NPB: August 31, 1989, for the Nippon-Ham Fighters | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .293 | ||
| Home runs | 118 | ||
| Runs batted in | 522 | ||
| NPB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .302 | ||
| Home runs | 26 | ||
| Runs batted in | 90 | ||
| Teams | |||
As player
As coach
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Michael Anthony Easler (born November 29, 1950), known as "the Hit Man", is a former professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams, including the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees, from 1973 to 1987. Easler was known for his strong hitting as an outfielder and designated hitter.
Mike Easler's Baseball Journey
Mike Easler began his baseball career after being chosen by the Houston Astros in the 1969 MLB draft. He played in the Astros' minor league system for several years, learning and improving his skills. His journey through the minor leagues prepared him for the big leagues.
Early MLB Days with the Astros
Easler made his first appearance in Major League Baseball on September 5, 1973. He played a few games with the Astros in 1973, 1974, and 1975. During this time, he was still developing as a player. In 1975, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, but he played mostly in their minor league system.
Time with the California Angels
In September 1976, Easler joined the California Angels. He played 21 games with them that season, showing his potential at the plate. After a short time, he was traded again in April 1977, this time to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Becoming a Star with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Easler spent most of 1977 and all of 1978 in the Pirates' minor league system. He returned to the Pirates in 1979 and played in 55 games, mostly as a pinch hitter. That year, the Pirates won the 1979 World Series, and Easler was part of the championship team.
His career really took off in 1980. He became the Pirates' regular left fielder and had an amazing season. He hit for the cycle on June 12, 1980, which means he hit a single, double, triple, and home run all in one game! He also had a high batting average of .338 with 21 home runs.
In the 1981 season, Easler was chosen to play in the 1981 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, a big honor for any player. He continued to be a strong hitter for the Pirates in 1982 and 1983. Over his six seasons with the Pirates, he was a key player, known for his consistent hitting.
Playing for the Boston Red Sox
After the 1983 season, Easler was traded to the Boston Red Sox. He became their main designated hitter for two years. In 1984, he had another excellent season, batting .313 with 27 home runs and 91 RBIs. He continued to be a productive player for the Red Sox in 1985.
Time with the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies
In 1986, Easler joined the New York Yankees. He played 146 games as a designated hitter and outfielder, maintaining a strong batting average of .302. In December 1986, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Easler started the 1987 season with the Phillies. However, he was traded back to the Yankees in June of the same year. He finished his MLB career with the Yankees in 1987, getting a pinch-hit single in his very last plate appearance.
Playing in Japan and Beyond
After his MLB career, Easler played for the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan during 1988 and 1989. He continued to hit well there, with a .302 batting average. He also played briefly in the Senior Professional Baseball Association before fully retiring as a player.
Career Highlights and Statistics
Throughout his 14 seasons in MLB, Mike Easler played in 1151 games. He had a career batting average of .293, with 118 home runs and 522 RBI. He was a versatile player, spending time in left field, as a designated hitter, and occasionally at first base. His ability to get hits consistently earned him the nickname "the Hit Man."
Mike Easler's Coaching Career
After his playing days, Mike Easler became a baseball coach. He shared his knowledge and experience with younger players.
- He managed the Miami Miracle in 1990.
- He served as a hitting coach for several MLB teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers (1992), Boston Red Sox (1993), and St. Louis Cardinals (1999–2001).
- He also coached in the minor leagues for teams like the Jacksonville Suns and Las Vegas 51s.
- In 2008, he was the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- In 2011, he was the hitting coach for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
Mike Easler's career in baseball, both as a player and a coach, shows his dedication to the sport. He is also an ordained Baptist minister.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle
- List of St. Louis Cardinals coaches
