Mike Norris (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mike Norris |
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Norris in 2009
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: March 19, 1955 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| April 10, 1975, for the Oakland Athletics | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| July 4, 1990, for the Oakland Athletics | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 58–59 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.89 | ||
| Strikeouts | 636 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Michael Kelvin Norris (born March 19, 1955) is a former American baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics. Mike played from 1975 to 1983 and again in 1990. He won two Gold Glove Awards and was an MLB All-Star in 1981.
Contents
Mike Norris's Baseball Journey
Mike Norris went to Balboa High School in San Francisco. The Oakland Athletics picked him in the first round of the 1973 draft. He started playing in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1975. For his first five seasons, he had a tough time. His earned run average (ERA) was 4.67, and his record was 12 wins and 25 losses.
His Amazing 1980 Season
In 1980, Mike had an incredible year. He won 22 games and lost only 9. He pitched 24 complete games, which means he pitched the whole game himself. His earned run average (ERA) was 2.53, which was very good. Opposing batters hit only .209 against him, the lowest in the American League. He also won his first Gold Glove Award for being an excellent fielder.
Even with his amazing season, Mike did not win the American League Cy Young Award. This award goes to the best pitcher. Steve Stone won it that year. Mike pitched more innings and gave up fewer hits, walks, home runs, and runs than Stone. He also had a much lower ERA. But back then, voters mostly looked at how many wins a pitcher had.
All-Star and Playoff Success
In 1981, Mike Norris had a good season too. He won 12 games and lost 9. He earned his second Gold Glove Award. He was also chosen to be an MLB All-Star.
During the playoffs, Mike pitched a complete game shutout against the Kansas City Royals. A shutout means the other team scored no runs. He also pitched well in the AL Championship Series against the New York Yankees. Even though his team lost that game, he showed great skill.
Challenges and Comeback
After 1981, Mike Norris never quite reached his top form again. Some baseball experts believe his manager, Billy Martin, made him pitch too much. This might have tired out his arm. For example, in 1981, Mike threw about 131 pitches per complete game. This was a lot for a young pitcher.
He was sent to play in the minor leagues in 1983. He spent the next five years there. In 1990, he made a brief comeback as a relief pitcher. He pitched 27 innings and had a good ERA of 3.00. Mike is the only player to win a game for the Oakland Athletics in three different decades. He is also the only player to spend his entire career with the Oakland Athletics for at least 10 years.
Life After Baseball
In 1999, Mike was diagnosed with a neck condition called cervical myelopathy. He had surgery in 2000 and recovered well. After that, he started playing golf as a hobby.
In 2007, Mike appeared at a baseball game with other famous players like Dave Stewart and Vida Blue. They were part of a special ceremony before a game between the Texas Rangers and the Oakland Athletics. Mike was also known for his unique green fielding glove.
See also
- Black Aces, a group of African-American pitchers who won 20 or more games in an MLB season.
- List of Major League Baseball players who spent their entire career with one franchise
