Mike Hampton
From BR Bullpen
Michael William Hampton
- Bats Right, Throws Left
- Height 5' 10", Weight 180 lb.
- High School Crystal River High School
- Debut April 17, 1993
- Final Game October 3, 2010
- Born September 9, 1972 in Brooksville, FL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
While struggling with inflated ERAs in two seasons with the Colorado Rockies, pitcher Mike Hampton thrived as a hitter. In 2001, he hit seven home runs in only 79 at bats (an NL record for a pitcher), and he hit .344 in 2002.
Hampton was injured four times in 2007-2008 while attempting a comeback. He pitched one inning in the Mexican Pacific League in the winter of 2007-2008 before slipping on the mound and straining his hamstring, sidelining him the rest of the winter. In his second spring training appearance, he strained his right groin. He was still able to make the 2008 Atlanta Braves out of spring training. Before his April 3 start, which would have been his first major league game in three years, he strained his left pectoral muscle. He was placed on the disabled list. In July, he was on a rehab stint with the Mississippi Braves when he hurt his left groin. Later that month, Hampton finally completed his comeback and made his first major league appearance in three seasons.
Hampton came back from yet another injury - surgery to repair a partially torn rotator cuff - to pitch for the Arizona Diamondbacks in September 2010. He made 10 appearances in releif, but only pitched 4.1 innings, without allowing a run. He tried to make the team out of spring training in 2011 but announced his retirement on March 26 after allowing 18 hits and 8 walks in 9.2 innings in the Cactus League.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2-time NL All-Star (1999 & 2001)
- 2000 NLCS MVP
- NL Gold Glove Winner (2003)
- 5-time NL Silver Slugger Award Winner (1999-2003)
- NL Wins Leader (1999)
- NL Winning Percentage Leader (1999)
- 15 Win Seasons: 3 (1997, 1999 & 2000)
- 20 Win Seasons: 1 (1999)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 5 (1997-2001)
