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Mike Smith (pitcher, born 1963) facts for kids

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Mike Smith
1988 Best - Mike Smith (cropped).jpg
Smith with the Chattanooga Lookouts c. 1988
Pitcher
Born: (1963-10-31) October 31, 1963 (age 61)
San Antonio, Texas
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
June 30, 1989, for the Baltimore Orioles
Last appearance
September 30, 1990, for the Baltimore Orioles
MLB statistics
Games pitched 15
Win–loss record 2–0
Earned run average 8.22
Strikeouts 14
Teams

Michael Anthony Smith, born on October 31, 1963, is a former American baseball player. He was a talented pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles. His time in the big leagues was from 1989 to 1990.

Who is Mike Smith?

Mike Smith is known for his career as a professional baseball player. He played the important position of a pitcher. A pitcher is the player on a baseball team who throws the ball from the pitcher's mound to the catcher. The goal is to get the batter out. Mike played for one of the most famous baseball leagues in the world, Major League Baseball.

Starting His Baseball Journey

Mike Smith was born in San Antonio, Texas. Like many baseball players, he likely started playing baseball at a young age. To reach Major League Baseball, players usually spend years playing in minor leagues. These are like training grounds where players improve their skills.

Playing in Major League Baseball

Mike Smith made his big debut in Major League Baseball on June 30, 1989. He joined the Baltimore Orioles, a well-known team. Playing in the MLB is a dream for many young baseball players. It means you are among the best players in the world.

Mike Smith's Role as a Pitcher

As a pitcher, Mike Smith's main job was to throw the baseball. He aimed to make it hard for the opposing team's batters to hit the ball. Pitchers use different types of throws, like fastballs and curveballs, to trick batters.

During his time with the Orioles, Mike played in 15 games. This means he pitched in 15 different baseball matches.

Winning Games and Strikeouts

Mike Smith had a good record of 2 wins and 0 losses. This means that in games where he was the pitcher who earned the win, his team won twice. He didn't have any losses recorded against him.

He also recorded 14 strikeouts. A strikeout happens when a pitcher throws three "strikes" to a batter, and the batter fails to hit the ball. This is a great way for a pitcher to get an out.

Understanding Earned Run Average (ERA)

Another important stat for pitchers is the Earned Run Average (ERA). Mike Smith's ERA was 8.22. The ERA tells you how many "earned runs" a pitcher gives up on average per nine innings. A lower ERA is usually better, as it means the pitcher gives up fewer runs.

After the Orioles

Mike Smith's final game in Major League Baseball was on September 30, 1990, also with the Baltimore Orioles. After playing in the MLB, many players continue their careers in other leagues. This can include minor leagues or international leagues.

Mike Smith also played for many other teams throughout his career. These teams include:

  • Abilene Prairie Dogs
  • Alexandria Aces
  • Amarillo Dillas
  • Billings Mustangs
  • Cedar Rapids Reds
  • Chattanooga Lookouts
  • Coastal Bend Aviators
  • El Paso Diablos
  • Fort Worth Cats
  • Gulf Coast Reds
  • Mexican League teams like Saraperos de Saltillo and Tigres del México
  • Newark Bears
  • Paris Dragons
  • Ranger Rangers
  • Rochester Red Wings
  • Springfield/Ozark Mountain Ducks
  • Tigres de Aragua (in Venezuela)
  • Vermont Reds

These teams show that Mike Smith had a long and varied career in baseball, playing in many different places.

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