Mike Piazza

Date of Birth: September 4, 1968

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Michael Joseph Piazza, commonly known as Mike Piazza, is an American former professional baseball catcher who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1992 to 2007. Born on September 4, 1968, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Piazza is widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive catchers in the history of the sport. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 62nd round of the 1988 MLB draft as a favor to his father, who was friends with Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. Despite being a late-round pick, Piazza quickly rose through the ranks, making his MLB debut in 1992. Over his career, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Oakland Athletics. Piazza was a 12-time All-Star and 10-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He is particularly known for his time with the New York Mets, with whom he helped lead to the 2000 World Series. Piazza’s powerful hitting and clutch performances made him a fan favorite. He retired with a career batting average of .308, 427 home runs, and 1,335 RBIs. After retiring from baseball, Piazza has been involved in various business ventures and charitable activities. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, with his plaque featuring a New York Mets cap.

5 Interesting Facts about Mike Piazza

1. Mike Piazza was drafted in the 62nd round of the 1988 MLB draft, making him the lowest-drafted player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

2. Piazza hit more home runs (427) than any other catcher in MLB history.

3. He played a significant role in the New York Mets’ post-9/11 healing process by hitting a memorable home run in the first professional sporting event in New York City after the attacks.

4. Piazza once took ballet lessons to improve his footwork and flexibility behind the plate.

5. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1993.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mike Piazza

1. “I always had a dream to play in the big leagues.”

2. “The only thing I ever wanted to be was a baseball player.”

3. “It’s a great feeling to be recognized by the fans and to have your name chanted.”

4. “You have to have a lot of talent and a lot of luck to stay in the game for a long time.”

5. “I’m just a guy who worked hard and had a passion for the game.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Mike Piazza’s net worth was estimated to be around $70 million.

Children

Mike Piazza has three children with his wife, Alicia Rickter: two daughters, Nicoletta Veronica Piazza and Paulina Sophia Piazza, and a son, Marco Vincenzo Piazza.