Mike Piazza facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mike Piazza
Piazza in 2016
Catcher
Born: (1968-09-04) September 4, 1968 (age 57) Norristown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
September 1, 1992, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Last appearance
September 30, 2007, for the Oakland Athletics
MLB statistics
Batting average	.308
Hits	2,127
Home runs	427
Runs batted in	1,335
Teams
Los Angeles Dodgers (1992–1998) Florida Marlins (1998) New York Mets (1998–2005) San Diego Padres (2006) Oakland Athletics (2007)
Career highlights and awards
12× All-Star (1993–2002, 2004, 2005) NL Rookie of the Year (1993) 10× Silver Slugger Award (1993–2002) New York Mets No. 31 retired New York Mets Hall of Fame
Baseball Hall of Fame
Induction	2016
Vote	83.0% (fourth ballot)
Medals Manager for ITA European Championship Bronze 2021 Turin National team

Mike Piazza (born September 4, 1968) is a famous American former professional baseball catcher. He played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1992 to 2007. Mike Piazza is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

He is best known for playing with the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also played for the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, and Oakland Athletics. Piazza was an amazing hitter for a catcher. He was a 12-time All-Star. He also won the Silver Slugger Award 10 times.

During his career, he hit 427 home runs. A record 396 of these were hit while he was playing catcher. He also had a .308 batting average and 1,335 runs batted in (RBI). Mike Piazza also managed the Italian national baseball team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Early Life and Baseball Dreams

Mike Piazza was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Mike went to Phoenixville Area High School. His father, Vince, was of Italian descent. His mother, Veronica, was of Slovak descent.

Mike loved sports from a young age. He was a big fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. He admired baseball legend Mike Schmidt. Mike's father, Vince, had a strong passion for baseball. He encouraged Mike to play and practice from age five.

A special connection helped Mike's baseball journey. His youngest brother's godfather was Tommy Lasorda. Lasorda was a famous manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers. When the Dodgers visited Philadelphia, Mike sometimes got to be a bat boy.

When Mike was 16, he got a special lesson. Baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams taught him how to hit. Williams told him not to change his natural swing. Mike's father also helped him practice hitting almost every night. Mike was very dedicated to baseball.

After high school, Mike played college baseball. He first went to the University of Miami. Then he transferred to Miami-Dade Community College. He played first base there in 1988.

Mike Piazza's MLB Journey

Starting with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Mike Piazza was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988. This happened after his father asked Tommy Lasorda for a special look. He was one of the last players chosen in that draft. Lasorda suggested Mike change from first base to catcher. This would give him a better chance to play in the major leagues.

Mike worked hard to become a catcher. He also became an amazing hitter. He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on September 1, 1992. He hit his first home run soon after.

In 1993, Mike had a fantastic year. He won the National League Rookie of the Year Award. He hit 35 home runs and had 112 RBI. He was also chosen for the All-Star Game. This was the first of his 12 All-Star appearances. Mike quickly showed everyone his power and hitting skills. In 1997, he had his best year with the Dodgers. He hit .362 with 40 home runs and 124 RBI. He was the first catcher ever to get 200 hits in one season.

Short Stop with the Florida Marlins

Piazza with the Marlins in May 1998.

In 1998, Mike Piazza was traded to the Florida Marlins. He played only five games with them.

Becoming a Star with the New York Mets

Just a week later, the Marlins traded Mike to the New York Mets. He spent most of his career with the Mets. In 1998, he became the first player in MLB history to hit over 30 home runs in a season while playing for three different teams.

Mike helped the Mets reach the playoffs in 1999 and 2000. In 1999, he tied his career high with 40 home runs and 124 RBI. He led the Mets to the 2000 World Series in 2000. This was the only World Series he played in.

A Tense Moment in the World Series

During the 2000 World Series, there was a memorable moment. Mets star Mike Piazza faced Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens. Earlier that season, a pitch from Clemens had caused Piazza to miss a game. In the World Series, Clemens threw a pitch that broke Piazza's bat. A piece of the broken bat flew towards Clemens. Clemens picked up the bat piece and threw it towards the dugout. This led to a heated discussion between the two teams. No one was hurt, and the game continued.

An Iconic Home Run After 9/11

Piazza with the Mets in May 1999

Mike Piazza hit a very special home run on September 21, 2001. This was the first professional baseball game in New York after the September 11 attacks. His game-winning home run in the 8th inning was incredibly meaningful. Many people remember it as a symbol of hope and healing for the city. The jersey he wore that day is now displayed in museums.

Piazza in 2004

Mike was also a good defensive catcher. He caught two no-hitters during his time with the Dodgers. In 2004, he broke a record. He hit his 352nd home run as a catcher, passing Carlton Fisk.

Playing for the San Diego Padres

Piazza wearing No. 33 with San Diego in 2006

After the 2005 season, Mike Piazza signed with the San Diego Padres. He played one season with them in 2006. He continued to hit well, with 22 home runs. He also helped the Padres win their division. On July 21, 2006, Mike got his 2,000th career hit. When he returned to play against the Mets, New York fans gave him a huge welcome.

Final Season with the Oakland Athletics

Mike Piazza joined the Oakland Athletics for his final season in 2007. He mostly played as a designated hitter. During a game, a fan threw a water bottle onto the field. This is not allowed and is unsafe. Mike helped security identify the person who threw it. On September 26, 2007, he hit his 427th and final career home run.

Mike Piazza announced his retirement from baseball on May 20, 2008. He said it was time for a new chapter in his life.

Retirement and Honors

Mike Piazza returned to Shea Stadium for its closing ceremony in 2008. He caught the final pitch in the stadium's history. He also caught the first pitch at the new Citi Field in 2009.

International Baseball

Mike Piazza has also been involved in international baseball. He represented Italy in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

He served as the hitting coach for the Italian national team in the 2009 and 2013 World Baseball Classic. He also helped the Italian Baseball Academy win championships.

In 2019, Piazza became the manager for the Italy national baseball team. He led the team in the 2021 European Baseball Championship, where they placed third. He also managed Team Italy in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Legacy and Hall of Fame

Mike Piazza's number 31 was retired by the New York Mets in 2016.

Piazza greets the crowd at Citi Field prior to catching a ceremonial pitch alongside Mookie Wilson.

Mike Piazza played in 1,912 games over 16 years. He had 2,127 hits and 427 home runs. His career batting average was .308. He is known as one of the best-hitting catchers ever. He holds the MLB record for most career home runs by a catcher, with 396.

Many people consider him a true baseball legend. His former teammate, Tom Glavine, called him the best hitting catcher of his time. On January 6, 2016, Mike Piazza was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The New York Mets Hall of Fame inducted Piazza on September 29, 2013. The Mets also retired his uniform number, 31, in a special ceremony on July 30, 2016.

Beyond Baseball

Acting Roles

Mike Piazza has appeared in movies and TV shows. He was in the movie Two Weeks Notice. He also appeared in an episode of Married...with Children. In 2013, he even performed with the Miami City Ballet. He wanted to show that ballet can be interesting for sports fans too. In 2023, he was on the reality show Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.

Personal Life

Mike Piazza married actress Alicia Rickter on January 29, 2005. They have three children together.

Mike is a big fan of heavy metal music. He has even performed on stage as a drummer with different bands. He is also a devout Roman Catholic. His faith is an important part of his life. He is involved with the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

See also

In Spanish: Mike Piazza para niños