Births on April 29

Mike Stenhouse, American baseball player and sportscaster

Early Life and Collegiate Acclaim

Michael Steven Stenhouse, born on May 29, 1958, embarked on a unique journey through professional baseball, ultimately becoming a versatile player known for his roles as an outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter in Major League Baseball (MLB). Beyond the diamond, Stenhouse has transitioned into a significant career in public policy, currently serving as the CEO of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, a prominent public policy think tank. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 195 pounds, he was a left-handed batter with a right-handed throw, a combination that often intrigued scouts and managers. Notably, baseball ran in his family, as he is the son of former major league pitcher Dave Stenhouse, adding a layer of heritage to his athletic pursuits.

His path to professional baseball was far from conventional, marked by a commitment to academics that few elite athletes pursued. A standout high school star, Mike famously bypassed opportunities from traditional collegiate baseball powerhouses, including Arizona State University—a program renowned for developing future MLB talent—to attend the prestigious Harvard University. This decision underscored a rare dedication to combining high-level athletics with an Ivy League education. At Harvard, Stenhouse was a cornerstone of the baseball program for three seasons (1977–1979). His freshman year in 1977 was particularly stellar, as he posted an astounding .475 batting average, which ranked second in all of NCAA Division I baseball. His exceptional performance earned him two All-Ivy League selections and the distinguished title of an American Baseball Coaches Association All-American, placing him in an elite company alongside future MLB stars like Kirk Gibson, Hubie Brooks, and Bob Horner.

Collegiate Summer Baseball and Drafting Drama

While balancing his rigorous Harvard academics and athletic commitments, Stenhouse further honed his skills in collegiate summer baseball. From 1977 to 1979, he played for the Chatham A's in the renowned Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL), widely regarded as the premier amateur summer baseball league in the United States, a true proving ground for future MLB talent. His 1978 season, though cut short by injury, was remarkable; he hit an impressive .426 with 6 home runs in just 13 games. The following year, 1979, saw him earn a coveted league all-star selection, solidifying his status as a top prospect. In recognition of his significant contributions and stellar performance in the league, Stenhouse was deservedly inducted into the CCBL Hall of Fame in 2008.

His journey to the professional ranks was complicated by an unusual and notable sequence of events involving the MLB Draft. In the 1979 Major League Baseball Draft, the Oakland Athletics selected Stenhouse with the 26th overall pick. However, the offer from then-A's owner Charlie Finley, a mere $12,000, was perceived as significantly undervalued for a player of Stenhouse's caliber. In a bold move, Stenhouse opted to return to Harvard, seeking to be declared a free agent by the commissioner's office due to the low offer. This request was ultimately denied, setting the stage for further negotiation. Finley later revisited his offer, still at $12,000, but with the enticing stipulation of a September call-up to the major leagues. Yet, Stenhouse, demonstrating a shrewd understanding of professional contracts, withdrew from the agreement when this crucial condition was not formalized in writing, highlighting the intricate and sometimes contentious nature of player-owner relations during that era. This pivotal decision led him to re-enter the draft. Consequently, the Montreal Expos selected Stenhouse fourth overall in the 1980 January draft. This time, he signed with the Expos for a more substantial $32,000 bonus, marking the official start of his professional baseball career after a dramatic pre-pro experience.

Professional Baseball Journey

Michael Stenhouse made his Major League Baseball debut in 1982 with the Montreal Expos. His initial appearance was brief, resulting in a strikeout in his only at-bat. He continued with the Expos for two more seasons, 1983 and 1984, but his performance during this period was described as "sub-par," indicating he hadn't quite found his rhythm at the major league level. Following the 1984 season, the Expos traded Stenhouse to the Minnesota Twins for Jack O'Connor, seeking a change of scenery for both players.

The move to Minnesota proved to be a pivotal point in Stenhouse's relatively short MLB career. In 1985, playing for the Twins, he achieved several career highs across various statistical categories, demonstrating his potential when given more opportunities. That season, he played in 81 games, accumulating 179 at-bats, scoring 23 runs, and collecting 40 hits. He also hit 5 home runs, drove in 21 RBIs, stole a base, and drew 29 walks, contributing to a batting average of .223. While not superstar numbers, these personal bests offered a glimpse of his capabilities. However, his tenure with the Twins was also brief. In December of that same year, he was traded once again, this time to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Charlie Mitchell.

His final major league season came in 1986 with the Boston Red Sox. Though his batting average was low at .095 (2 hits in 21 at-bats), Stenhouse displayed impressive plate discipline, drawing 12 walks. This outstanding ability to get on base resulted in a remarkable on-base percentage (OBP) of .424 for the season, a statistic often highly valued in sabermetrics and demonstrating his keen eye at the plate despite limited hitting success. This marked the conclusion of his playing days in Major League Baseball.

Post-Playing Career

After retiring from professional baseball, Michael Stenhouse remained connected to the sport for a period. In 1996, he lent his voice and insights to the game as an announcer for the Montreal Expos on CIQC, a familiar role for many former players transitioning from the field. Prior to this, he had also served as an analyst for the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, gaining experience in broadcasting and analysis at the minor league level. Today, Stenhouse has channeled his intellect and leadership skills into public policy, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity. This role places him at the helm of a significant public policy think tank, where he contributes to shaping policy discussions and promoting principles of free markets and limited government in Rhode Island, showcasing a diverse and impactful career trajectory beyond the baseball field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Michael Steven Stenhouse?

Michael Steven Stenhouse is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player who transitioned into a significant career in public policy, currently serving as the CEO of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity. He played as an outfielder, first baseman, and designated hitter for the Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox in the 1980s.

What was unique about Stenhouse's path to professional baseball?

Stenhouse famously chose to attend Harvard University over traditional baseball powerhouses like Arizona State, showcasing a strong commitment to academics. He was a two-time All-Ivy Leaguer and an American Baseball Coaches Association All-American, posting a remarkable .475 batting average as a freshman, which was second-best in NCAA Division I.

Did Stenhouse play in the Cape Cod Baseball League?

Yes, he played for the Chatham A's in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) from 1977 to 1979. He was a league all-star in 1979 and was inducted into the CCBL Hall of Fame in 2008, recognizing his outstanding collegiate summer league performance.

Why was Michael Stenhouse drafted twice in the MLB?

He was initially drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1979 but turned down their low offer of $12,000 from owner Charlie Finley. After the commissioner's office denied his request for free agency and a subsequent offer from Finley also fell through due to a lack of written agreement, he re-entered the draft. He was then selected by the Montreal Expos in the 1980 January draft and signed for a $32,000 bonus.

What were Stenhouse's career highlights in MLB?

While his MLB career was relatively brief, Stenhouse achieved career highs in 1985 with the Minnesota Twins, playing in 81 games and hitting 5 home runs with 21 RBIs. Notably, in his final season with the Boston Red Sox in 1986, despite a low batting average, he demonstrated exceptional plate discipline with a .424 on-base percentage due to drawing 12 walks in limited plate appearances.

What is Michael Stenhouse doing now?

After his baseball career, Stenhouse transitioned into broadcasting, serving as an analyst for the Pawtucket Red Sox and an announcer for the Montreal Expos. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, a public policy think tank dedicated to promoting free-market principles.

Is Michael Stenhouse related to any other professional baseball players?

Yes, Michael Stenhouse is the son of Dave Stenhouse, who was also a professional baseball pitcher.