Mike Harkey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mike Harkey |
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Harkey throwing batting practice in 2012
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| New York Yankees – No. 60 | |||
| Pitcher / Coach | |||
| Born: October 25, 1966 San Diego, California, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 5, 1988, for the Chicago Cubs | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 28, 1997, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 36–36 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.49 | ||
| Strikeouts | 316 | ||
| Teams | |||
As player
As coach
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Michael Anthony Harkey, born on October 25, 1966, is an American baseball coach and former player. He used to be a professional pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, from 1988 to 1997.
After he stopped playing, Harkey became a coach. He coached for the Florida Marlins in 2006. He then joined the New York Yankees from 2008 to 2013. Later, he coached the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2014 and 2015. Since 2016, he has been the bullpen coach for the New York Yankees.
Contents
Mike Harkey's Baseball Journey
Early Life and College Baseball
Mike Harkey was born in San Diego, California. He went to Ganesha High School in Pomona, California. Later, he played college baseball at California State University, Fullerton for the CSU Fullerton Titans.
Drafted by the Chicago Cubs
In the 1987 Major League Baseball Draft, the Chicago Cubs chose Harkey as their first-round pick. He was the fourth player picked overall. Some people thought he would reach the major leagues very quickly.
Starting in the Minor Leagues
Harkey began his professional career in the minor leagues. In 1987, he played for the Peoria Chiefs and the Pittsfield Cubs. In 1988, he had a great start with the Pittsfield Cubs, winning 9 games and losing only 2. He then moved up to Triple-A Iowa. By September 1988, he was called up to play for the Chicago Cubs in the major leagues.
Challenges and Injuries with the Cubs
The 1989 season was tough for Harkey. He had shoulder pain and then tore cartilage in his knee, which made him miss the rest of the season.
In 1990, Harkey came back strong. He won 12 games and had a good earned run average. He even finished fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting for the National League. However, more injuries followed. In 1991, he had shoulder surgery. In 1992, he hurt his knee again during warmups. He continued to face shoulder problems in 1993.
Playing for Other Teams
After his time with the Cubs, Harkey played for a few other teams:
- Colorado Rockies (1994): He joined the Rockies but struggled to keep his spot as a starting pitcher.
- Oakland Athletics (1995): He played for the Athletics for part of the 1995 season.
- California Angels (1995): The Angels picked him up in July 1995. He helped them force a special playoff game by pitching well in a crucial game.
- Los Angeles Dodgers (1997): After spending 1996 in the minor leagues, Harkey played for the Dodgers in 1997, mostly as a relief pitcher.
Mike Harkey's Coaching Career
After his playing days, Mike Harkey became a baseball coach. He started as a pitching coach in the minor leagues for several teams.
Minor League Coaching
From 2000 to 2005, he coached pitchers for teams like the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Mobile BayBears. In 2007, he coached the Iowa Cubs.
Major League Coaching
- Florida Marlins (2006): Harkey was the bullpen coach for the Marlins.
- New York Yankees (2008–2013): He joined the Yankees as their bullpen coach. The Yankees' bullpen was very important to their success, especially when they won the 2009 World Series. He coached with them for six seasons.
- Arizona Diamondbacks (2014–2015): After leaving the Yankees, he became the pitching coach for the Diamondbacks.
- New York Yankees (2016–present): Harkey returned to the Yankees as their bullpen coach in 2016. He continues in this role today.
Mike Harkey's Family Life
Mike Harkey has two sons who are also involved in sports.
- His son, Tony Harkey, played baseball in college for the Cal State-Fullerton Titans and Concordia University Irvine. Tony even won a championship with Concordia University Irvine in 2011.
- His son, Cory Harkey, played professional football as a tight end for the Los Angeles Rams. Cory is now a coach for the Buffalo Bills, working as a Special Teams Assistant Coach.
