Mickey Tettleton, known for his unique batting stance and powerful hitting, played as a catcher and first baseman in Major League Baseball. Born on September 16, 1960, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Tettleton attended Oklahoma State University, where he honed his skills before being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the fifth round of the 1981 MLB Draft.
Tettleton made his MLB debut with the Athletics in 1984. During his time with Oakland, he began to develop a reputation for his power at the plate, although his batting average was not particularly high. His ability to draw walks and hit home runs made him a valuable player, despite his relatively low batting average. In 1988, Tettleton was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, where his career began to flourish.
With the Orioles, Tettleton's performance improved significantly. In 1989, he had a breakout season, hitting 26 home runs and driving in 65 runs. His performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team and the Silver Slugger Award, recognizing him as one of the best offensive players at his position. Tettleton's distinctive batting stance, where he held the bat high above his head, became a signature part of his identity as a player.
In 1991, Tettleton signed with the Detroit Tigers, where he continued to be a powerful presence in the lineup. Over the next few years, he consistently hit over 30 home runs per season, with his best year coming in 1992 when he hit 32 home runs and had 110 RBIs. His performance with the Tigers earned him two more Silver Slugger Awards in 1991 and 1992, further solidifying his reputation as a power hitter.
Tettleton's ability to draw walks and get on base was another aspect of his game that was highly valued. He often had an on-base percentage significantly higher than his batting average, demonstrating his patience and eye for pitches. This skill set made him an asset in the lineup, as he could contribute even when not hitting for average.
In 1995, Tettleton joined the Texas Rangers, where he played the final years of his career. Although his power numbers began to decline, he remained a respected player and a veteran presence in the clubhouse. Tettleton retired after the 1997 season, concluding a career that saw him hit 245 home runs and accumulate 732 RBIs.
Throughout his career, Tettleton was known not only for his offensive capabilities but also for his defensive versatility. Primarily a catcher, he also played first base and occasionally outfield, providing his teams with flexibility in the field. His unique approach to the game and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him a valuable player during his time in the majors.
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