Mike Cubbage's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Washington Senators in the second round of the 1971 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Texas Rangers, the team that the Senators became, in 1974. Cubbage played as an infielder, primarily at third base, and was known for his steady defensive skills and reliable presence on the field.
After spending a couple of seasons with the Rangers, Cubbage was traded to the Minnesota Twins in 1976. It was with the Twins that he spent the majority of his playing career. During his time in Minnesota, Cubbage became a regular fixture in the lineup, contributing both in the infield and at the plate. His best season came in 1978 when he posted a .282 batting average, hit 5 home runs, and drove in 57 runs. Cubbage's performance during this period helped solidify his role as a dependable player for the Twins.
In 1981, Cubbage's playing days with the Twins came to an end, and he was traded to the New York Mets. He spent two seasons with the Mets, where he continued to provide depth and experience to the team's infield. However, his playing time began to diminish, and he retired as a player after the 1981 season.
Following his retirement from playing, Cubbage transitioned into coaching and management roles within baseball. He returned to the Mets organization, where he served as a coach and later took on managerial responsibilities in their minor league system. His understanding of the game and ability to mentor younger players made him a valuable asset in these roles.
Cubbage's coaching career eventually led him back to the major leagues, where he served as a coach for the New York Mets and later the Houston Astros. His experience as a former player provided him with insights that he could pass on to the next generation of players.
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