Mike Devereaux, an outfielder known for his speed and defensive prowess, played Major League Baseball primarily during the late 1980s and 1990s. Born on April 10, 1963, in Casper, Wyoming, Devereaux attended Arizona State University, where he honed his skills on the baseball field. His talent caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth round of the 1985 MLB Draft.
Devereaux made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on September 2, 1987. During his time with the team, he showcased his potential as a reliable outfielder, though his opportunities were limited in a roster filled with established talent. In 1989, Devereaux was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, a move that provided him with more playing time and a chance to further develop his abilities.
With the Orioles, Devereaux became a regular fixture in the outfield. His speed on the bases and in the field was a valuable asset, and he quickly became known for his ability to cover ground and make difficult catches. In 1992, he had one of his best seasons, hitting .276 with 24 home runs and 107 RBIs, earning him a 7th place finish in the American League MVP voting. His performance that year helped solidify his reputation as a dependable player.
Devereaux's tenure with the Orioles lasted until 1994, after which he was traded to the Chicago White Sox. His time in Chicago was brief, and he was soon on the move again, this time to the Atlanta Braves in 1995. It was with the Braves that Devereaux experienced one of the highlights of his career. During the 1995 postseason, he played a crucial role in the Braves' success, earning the National League Championship Series MVP award. His performance helped propel the Braves to a World Series victory over the Cleveland Indians, marking the pinnacle of his career.
Following his stint with the Braves, Devereaux continued to play in the majors, spending time with the Texas Rangers and a return to the Dodgers. He also had a second stint with the Orioles before retiring from professional baseball in 1998. Over the course of his career, Devereaux played in 1,056 games, accumulating a .254 batting average, 105 home runs, and 480 RBIs.
After retiring as a player, Devereaux remained involved in baseball, taking on coaching roles at various levels.
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