Mike Greenwell

From SoSH

Mike "The Gator" Greenwell

Born:	July 18, 1963
Birthplace:	Louisville, Kentucky
Hometown:	Alva, Florida
Height:	6' 0"
Weight:	200 lbs
Bats:	Left
Throws:	Right
Drafted:	1982: 3rd Round by the Boston Red Sox
College:	None
High School:	North Fort Myers HS (FL)
Other Teams:	None
Years with Boston:	1985 - 1996

Michael Lewis Greenwell (born July 18, 1963 in Louisville, Kentucky) was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 3rd round of the 1982 Amateur Draft. He made his Red Sox debut on September 5, 1985 and played his final game on September 28, 1996.

1 Overall Career
2 Greenwell's Moments in the Sun
3 Awards
4 Trivia
5 Quotes
6 Transactions
7 External Links

[edit]

Overall Career

"The Gator" received his first taste of the big leagues when he was called up for 17 games in 1985. In 1987, he inherited the full-time left field job, and patrolled the Green Monster for 10 years. He spent his entire career on the Red Sox, and provided a solid middle of the order bat for some memorable and forgettable Sox teams in the late 80's and early 90's. Despite providing decent power, Greenwell was one of the hardest hitters in the league to strike out, with only 364 career Ks compared to 460 walks. Known for his fluid swing, Greenwell amassed 1,400 hits and an OPS+ of 120 during his career.

Following his playing days in the majors, Greenwell signed the largest contract ever given by the Hanshin Tigers in 1997. His stay in Japan was shortlived. After hurting his back in spring training and then breaking a bone in his foot a week after returning, Greenwell decided to call it quits after hitting .231/.310/.346 in 7 games in Japan.

[edit]

Greenwell's Moments in the Sun

Mike hit for the cycle on September 14th, 1988.
In 1988, Greenwell finished 2nd in league MVP voting to controversial winner Jose Canseco. Years later, Canseco admitted to using illegal steroids throughout his career.
On September 1, 1990 hit an inside the park grand slam.
On September 2, 1996 in Seattle, Greenwell got all nine RBI in a Boston 9-8 victory over the Mariners in ten innings.

[edit]

Awards

1987 Topps All-Star Rookie Team.
1988 AL Silver Slugger Award (OF).
1988 AL MVP (Voting Rank: #2).
2-Time American League All-Star (1988 & 1989).

[edit]

Trivia

Struck out in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series[1] in a controversial pinch-hit appearance for starter Roger Clemens.
Led the league in intentional walks in 1988.
Was the first and last MLB player to be proudly pictured seated on a moped in the official team program.
After his retirement, became a NASCAR truck racer. Made his NASCAR debut on May 27, 2006.
Attended same high school as Deion Sanders and Jevon Kearse (North Fort Myers High School).
Owns and operates a batting cage/arcade/family amusement park complex in Cape Coral, FL near Ft. Myers.

[edit]

Quotes

"I'm a 4-wheel-drive pickup type of guy. So is my wife."

[edit]

Transactions

June 7, 1982: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 3rd round of the 1982 amateur draft. Player signed June 9, 1982.
October 18, 1996: Granted Free Agency.

[edit]