Mike Norris was a professional baseball player who played as a pitcher for the Oakland Athletics. He was born on March 19, 1955, in San Francisco, California. Norris began his baseball career in 1973 when he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft. He made his debut for the Athletics in 1975 and played for the team until 1990.
Norris was known for his impressive pitching skills, particularly his fastball and slider. He was also known for his competitive spirit and his ability to perform well under pressure. During his career, Norris won 58 games and had an ERA of 3.89. He was also a two-time All-Star and won the American League ERA title in 1980.
One of Norris's most memorable moments came in the 1981 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. In Game 1 of the series, Norris pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only two hits and striking out 11 batters. The Athletics went on to win the series and advance to the World Series.
Despite his success on the field, Norris struggled with personal issues off the field. He battled drug addiction and alcoholism throughout his career and was suspended by Major League Baseball in 1983 for violating the league's drug policy. Norris later sought treatment for his addiction and was able to overcome his struggles.
Norris retired from baseball in 1990 at the age of 35. He finished his career with a record of 58-53 and an ERA of 3.89. After retiring, Norris worked as a pitching coach for several minor league teams and also served as a broadcaster for the Athletics.
In 2011, Norris was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to baseball in the San Francisco Bay Area. He remains a beloved figure among Athletics fans and is remembered for his impressive pitching skills and his ability to overcome personal struggles.
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