Mike Heath, American baseball player and manager

Michael Heath: A Versatile MLB Catcher with a Storied Career

Michael Thomas Heath, born on February 5, 1955, is a distinguished American former professional baseball catcher whose Major League Baseball (MLB) career spanned an impressive fourteen seasons, from 1978 to 1991. Known for his durability and adaptability, Heath played for several prominent franchises during his tenure: the New York Yankees (1978), Oakland Athletics (1979–1985), St. Louis Cardinals (1986), Detroit Tigers (1986–1990), and Atlanta Braves (1991). His longevity and ability to perform for multiple teams across different eras of baseball highlight a consistent and valuable presence in the league.

Unmatched Versatility: Playing Every Position But One

While Michael Heath spent the majority of his career as a highly regarded catcher, his playing history is uniquely defined by an extraordinary level of versatility rarely observed in professional baseball. Heath remarkably began his professional baseball journey as a shortstop, a testament to his innate athleticism and fundamental baseball skills. During his extensive major league career, he demonstrated an unparalleled ability to contribute wherever needed, playing every single position on the field except for pitcher. This remarkable adaptability made him an invaluable asset for his teams, providing crucial roster flexibility and the capacity to fill in for injuries or strategic changes across the diamond.

His comprehensive positional breakdown vividly illustrates this incredible range:

Early Career with the Yankees and the Pivotal Oakland Trade

Michael Heath's path to the major leagues commenced when he was selected by the New York Yankees in the second round of the 1973 Major League Baseball draft. He officially made his much-anticipated MLB debut with the Yankees on June 3, 1978, at the age of 23. That season, playing for a Yankees squad that would ultimately win the World Series, Heath appeared in 33 games, posting a .228 batting average, and notably participated in one game of the memorable 1978 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

A significant turning point in his young career occurred on November 10, 1978, when Heath was involved in a substantial ten-player trade that sent him to the Texas Rangers, while future Yankees pitching ace Dave Righetti notably headed to New York. Despite the trade, Heath never played a major league game for the Rangers. The following June, he was traded once more, this time to the Oakland Athletics. This move proved to be incredibly beneficial for Heath, as it provided him with the opportunity for substantial and consistent playing time over seven productive seasons with the A's, where he became a regular fixture behind the plate. During the strike-shortened 1981 season, Heath showcased his offensive capabilities in the American League Championship Series, batting an impressive .333 for the A's as they advanced to the ALCS.

Defensive Prowess and Career Highlights

During his tenure with the Oakland Athletics, Michael Heath achieved a rare and significant milestone in baseball history by catching Mike Warren's no-hitter on September 29, 1983. This event solidified his place in the annals of A's history. Throughout his distinguished career, Heath was widely recognized for his exceptionally strong throwing arm, a crucial and highly valued asset for any catcher aiming to deter opposing base runners from stealing. This defensive strength was consistently on display, particularly during his impactful time with the Detroit Tigers.

In 1989, while playing for the Tigers, Heath led all American League catchers with an impressive 66 assists, a clear indication of his ability to throw out runners and make critical plays from behind the plate. Furthermore, he also led the league with 10 double plays initiated from the catcher position, underscoring his defensive intelligence, agility, and fundamental soundness.

Career Statistics and Legacy

Michael Heath's distinguished 14-season MLB career concluded with a memorable moment, as he singled in his last professional plate appearance against the Cincinnati Reds on July 2, 1991. Over 1,325 games played throughout his career, he compiled a solid career batting average of .252, accumulating 1,061 hits in 4,212 at-bats. His offensive contributions included 462 runs scored, 173 doubles, 27 triples, 86 home runs, and 469 runs batted in (RBI). He also registered 54 stolen bases and drew 278 bases on balls, showcasing a well-rounded offensive profile for a catcher of his era. Defensively, Heath concluded his career with a highly respectable .981 fielding percentage, a testament to his consistent reliability and skill behind the plate. In nine postseason games, he batted .190 (4-for-21) with 2 runs, 1 home run, and 2 RBI, contributing to his teams in high-pressure playoff environments. Michael Heath's career stands as a testament to exceptional longevity, extraordinary versatility, and consistent defensive excellence, solidifying his place as a memorable and valuable figure in late 20th-century baseball.

Frequently Asked Questions about Michael Heath

What positions did Michael Heath play during his MLB career?
Michael Heath was remarkably versatile, playing every position in Major League Baseball except pitcher. While primarily a catcher, he also saw significant time in the outfield (right and left field), as a designated hitter, and at all three other infield positions (first, second, and third base), and even shortstop.
Which teams did Michael Heath play for?
Michael Heath played for five different MLB teams over his 14-season career: the New York Yankees (1978), Oakland Athletics (1979–1985), St. Louis Cardinals (1986), Detroit Tigers (1986–1990), and Atlanta Braves (1991).
What was a notable defensive achievement for Michael Heath?
Michael Heath caught Mike Warren's no-hitter on September 29, 1983, while playing for the Oakland Athletics. He was also highly regarded for his strong throwing arm, leading American League catchers in 1989 with 66 assists and 10 double plays while with the Detroit Tigers.
What were Michael Heath's career batting statistics?
Over 1,325 games, Michael Heath posted a career batting average of .252 with 1,061 hits, 86 home runs, and 469 RBI. He also accumulated 173 doubles, 27 triples, 462 runs, and 54 stolen bases.