Michael Anthony Harkey, known in the baseball world as Mike Harkey, embarked on his Major League Baseball (MLB) journey as a pitcher, primarily with the Chicago Cubs. Born on October 25, 1966, in San Diego, California, Harkey's path to the majors began with his selection by the Cubs in the first round of the 1987 MLB Draft. His early promise was evident, and he quickly ascended through the minor league ranks.
Harkey made his MLB debut with the Cubs on September 5, 1988. His rookie season in 1989 was particularly noteworthy, as he posted a 12-6 record with a 3.26 ERA, earning him a spot on the Baseball Digest All-Rookie Team. This performance helped the Cubs secure the National League East title, although they were eventually defeated by the San Francisco Giants in the National League Championship Series.
Injuries, however, became a recurring theme in Harkey's career. A shoulder injury in 1990 limited his playing time, and he struggled to regain his form in subsequent seasons. Despite these setbacks, he remained with the Cubs until 1993, when he transitioned to the Colorado Rockies. His tenure with the Rockies was brief, and he soon found himself with the Oakland Athletics in 1994.
Harkey's time with the Athletics was short-lived, and he moved on to the California Angels in 1995. During his stint with the Angels, he managed to stay relatively healthy and contributed as a reliable arm in their pitching rotation. In 1996, he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played his final MLB season in 1997.
Throughout his career, Harkey's potential was often overshadowed by injuries, which limited his ability to consistently perform at the highest level. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated resilience and adaptability, managing to extend his career across several teams in the league.
After retiring as a player, Harkey transitioned into coaching, where he found a new avenue to share his knowledge and experience. He served as a pitching coach for various teams, including the New York Yankees, where he contributed to the development of their pitching staff.
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