Bio
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Biography
Michael Joseph Piazza is known as the greatest offensive catcher of all-time. His 396 career homeruns as a catcher (427 HR overall) place him comfotably atop the list for homeruns by a catcher. Although most notable for his peformance as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, Mike Piazza's 16-year career included tours with the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, and Oakland Athletics. The 12-time All Star and 10-time Silver Slugger Award winner was named Rookie of the Year in 1993 and All-Star Game MVP in 1996. Always a fan favorite, Mike Piazza's rise from 62nd round pick (1,390th overall) in 1988, to Rookie of the Year in 1993, and subsequent All-Star Game appearances, is truly inspiring. Considered by many to be a first ballot Hall of Famer, Mike Piazza will first appear on the ballot in 2013.
Mike Piazza is married to his wife, Alicia. The two of them live in Miami Beach FL, with their daughter, Nicoletta Veronica Piazza, who was born on February 3, 2007.
Highlights and Achievements
- 12 All Star Appearances. Was the leading vote getter in 1996, 1997, and 2000. (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005)
- 10 Silver Slugger Awards, an annual award given to the best offensive player at each position in the league. Piazza won all 10 consecutively. (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
- NL Rookie of the Year. Going 2-3 with a double, home run and 2 RBI. (1993)
- All Star Game MVP. (1996)
- In 1993, Piazza hit 35 home runs, setting the record for most home runs by a rookie catcher and surpassing Detroit's Matt Nokes who hit 32 homers in 1987. Additionally, Piazza's 35 home runs is the most home runs by any Dodger rookie.
- His 40 homers in 1997 and 1999 are the third most by a catcher. Todd Hundley is second, with 41 homers in 1996, and Javy López set the record with 43 in 2003.
- His .362 average in 1997 was the highest ever by a catcher (110 games) in the National League, tying the Major League record set by Bill Dickey, who also batted .362 for the New York Yankees in 1936. Piazza finished 2nd in the NL MVP balloting (which he never won) for the 2nd consecutive year to Larry Walker, of Colorado.
- He won the Ted Williams Award, presented by CNN/SI and Total Baseball in 1997.
- His 201 hits in 1997 were the most in major league history by a player used as a catcher in 130 or more games
- On September 21, 1997, Mike Piazza became just the third player and the only Dodger ever to hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium with a blast over the left-field pavilion.
- He hit the longest home run in Astrodome history, an estimated 480-foot, two-run blast off José Lima in the first inning of a game on September 14, 1998.
- Led the majors with four grand slams in 1998. His fourth slam and first as a Met came against the Diamondbacks' Andy Benes in the second inning of the August 22 game at Shea Stadium.
- Hit his 200th home run on September 16, 1998, at Houston. The home run, a three-run shot with two outs in the ninth inning against Billy Wagner, gave the Mets a 3-2 lead in a game they would win, 4-3, in 11 innings.
- Tied a Mets club record on July 18 when he hit his third grand slam of the season. The only other Mets with three grand slams in a year are John Milner in 1976, Robin Ventura in 1999 and Carlos Beltran in 2006.
- Piazza hit more than 30 home runs in eight consecutive seasons (1995-2002). He has nine career 30-homer seasons.
- Piazza hit .300 in nine consecutive seasons, dating from 1993 to 2001.
