Mike Fitzgerald was a professional baseball player who played as a catcher for various teams during his career. He was born on July 13, 1960, in Long Beach, California, and attended California State University, Long Beach. Fitzgerald was drafted by the New York Mets in the first round of the 1978 Major League Baseball draft and made his debut with the team in 1983.
During his career, Fitzgerald played for the New York Mets, Montreal Expos, and Philadelphia Phillies. He was known for his strong arm and defensive skills as a catcher. Fitzgerald was also a solid hitter, with a career batting average of .252 and 31 home runs.
Fitzgerald's best season came in 1986 when he played for the Mets. He appeared in 107 games and hit .276 with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs. He also played a key role in the Mets' World Series championship that year, catching the final out of the series.
After leaving the Mets, Fitzgerald played for the Expos and Phillies, but his playing time was limited due to injuries. He retired from baseball in 1992 at the age of 32.
After his playing career, Fitzgerald worked as a coach and scout for various teams, including the Mets, Expos, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also worked as a broadcaster for the Dodgers and as a color commentator for college baseball games.
In 2015, Fitzgerald was inducted into the Long Beach State Athletics Hall of Fame. He currently resides in Southern California and is involved in youth baseball coaching and development.
Overall, Mike Fitzgerald had a solid career as a catcher in Major League Baseball. He was known for his defensive skills and played a key role in the Mets' World Series championship in 1986. After retiring from baseball, Fitzgerald continued to work in the sport as a coach, scout, and broadcaster.
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