Mike DiFelice, a professional baseball catcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB), contributing to several teams throughout his career. Born on May 28, 1969, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, DiFelice attended the University of Tennessee, where he honed his skills on the baseball field. His journey to the major leagues began when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 11th round of the 1991 MLB Draft.
DiFelice made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on September 1, 1996. During his time with the Cardinals, he served primarily as a backup catcher, providing depth to the team's roster. His tenure with the Cardinals lasted until 1998, after which he was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the expansion draft. This move marked a new chapter in his career as he joined the Devil Rays for their inaugural season in 1998.
With the Devil Rays, DiFelice found more opportunities to play, sharing catching duties and helping to establish the new franchise. He remained with Tampa Bay until 2001, during which he became known for his defensive skills behind the plate and his ability to handle the pitching staff. His time with the Devil Rays was marked by steady, reliable performances, although the team struggled to find success in the standings.
In 2002, DiFelice's career took him to the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he played for a brief period before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals once again. His second stint with the Cardinals was short-lived, and he soon found himself moving between teams, including the Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers, as he continued to fulfill the role of a backup catcher.
The New York Mets acquired DiFelice in 2005, where he played a part in their catching rotation. His experience and veteran presence were valuable assets to the team, particularly in mentoring younger players. After his time with the Mets, DiFelice had a brief stint with the Florida Marlins in 2006, before returning to the Mets later that year.
In 2007, DiFelice signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, marking his return to the team where he had previously spent a significant portion of his career. He played his final MLB games with the Rays in 2008, bringing his professional playing career to a close.
Throughout his MLB tenure, DiFelice was known for his defensive capabilities and his role as a reliable backup catcher. While he may not have been a standout offensive player, his contributions behind the plate and his ability to work with pitchers were valued by the teams he played for. After retiring as a player, DiFelice transitioned into coaching and player development roles, continuing his involvement in the sport he dedicated much of his life to.
⚾