Dave Mlicki, a right-handed pitcher, embarked on his Major League Baseball career after being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 17th round of the 1990 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Indians on September 12, 1992. Mlicki's early years in the majors were marked by his development as a pitcher, as he worked to establish himself in the competitive environment of professional baseball.
In 1994, Mlicki was traded to the New York Mets, where he would spend a significant portion of his career. His tenure with the Mets is perhaps best remembered for a standout performance on June 16, 1997, when he pitched a complete game shutout against the New York Yankees in the first-ever regular-season game between the two teams, known as the Subway Series. This game remains a highlight of Mlicki's career, as he allowed no runs and struck out eight batters, earning him a place in Mets lore.
Mlicki's time with the Mets saw him as a regular part of the starting rotation, where he demonstrated his ability to deliver solid performances on the mound. However, like many pitchers, he faced challenges with consistency and injuries, which affected his overall statistics and win-loss record. Despite these challenges, Mlicki's perseverance and work ethic kept him in the league.
In 1998, Mlicki was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he continued to pitch as a starter. His stint with the Dodgers was relatively short, as he was traded again in 1999, this time to the Detroit Tigers. With the Tigers, Mlicki found a more stable role, spending several seasons with the team and providing veteran leadership to a young pitching staff. His experience and knowledge of the game were valuable assets to the Tigers during his time there.
Mlicki's career also included a brief period with the Houston Astros in 2001, where he continued to contribute as a starting pitcher. Throughout his career, Mlicki was known for his durability and ability to eat innings, often pitching deep into games and providing his teams with much-needed stability in the rotation.
After his time with the Astros, Mlicki returned to the Tigers, where he finished his MLB career in 2002. Over the course of his career, Mlicki compiled a win-loss record of 66-80, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.72 and 842 strikeouts. While his career statistics may not place him among the elite pitchers of his era, Mlicki's longevity in the league and memorable performances, such as his Subway Series shutout, left a lasting impression on fans and teammates alike.
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