Mike Mitchell

Michael Francis Mitchell

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 185 lb.

• Debut April 11, 1907
• Final Game September 30, 1914
• Born December 9, 1879 in Springfield, OH USA
• Died July 16, 1961 in Phoenix, AZ USA

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Biographical Information

Outfielder Mike Mitchell played eight seasons in the majors and twice led the National League in triples.

Born in Springfield, Ohio, 80 miles from Cincinnati, Mitchell began his pro career in 1902. After playing for several teams, including parts of three summers in the New York State League, he spent all of 1905 and most of 1906 with the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League. In the latter season, he paced the circuit in batting average, hits, and home runs as his club won 114 games.

Mitchell reached the majors with the Cincinnati Reds in 1907 and as a rookie set a record with 39 outfield assists, a mark that was not broken until Chuck Klein recorded 44 in 1930. In 1909, he hit .310 and led the NL with 17 triples. Additionally, both his batting average and OPS+ were second-best in the circuit. Once again, he paced the National League in triples in 1910, this time with 18. The next summer, he recorded a career-best 22 three-baggers but finished second to Larry Doyle's 25. However, on August 19th of that year, he managed to hit for the cycle off New York Giants ace Christy Mathewson.

Following the 1912 season, the Reds sent Mitchell to the Chicago Cubs as part of an eight-player trade that brought Joe Tinker to Cincinnati. Midway through the 1913 campaign, he was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and about a year later, he was sent to the Washington Senators, where he ended his big league career.

Mitchell's 1909 baseball card (American Caramel, E90-1 set) is considered rare.

Notable Achievements

• 2-times NL Triples Leader (1909 & 1910)

Related Sites

• Mike Mitchell at the SABR Bio Project