Mike Hessman
From BR Bullpen
Michael Steven Hessman
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 5", Weight 215 lb.
- High School Mater Dei High School
- Debut August 22, 2003
- Born March 5, 1978 in Fountain Valley, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Mike Hessman was the International League MVP in 2007, hitting over 30 homers and driving in over 95. He was the league's All-Star third baseman. He has tremendous power with a tendency to strike out way too much.
Hessman struggled in the 2008 Olympics, going 2 for 22 as the worst hitter for Team USA, which won Bronze. He split time with Matthew Brown at third base. Both of his hits came in a one-run loss to eventual Gold Medal winner South Korea; one was a solo homer off closer Ki-joo Han.
He hit his first major league triple under unusual circumstances. Playing for the New York Mets on August 13, 2010, he hit a ball to deep left field at Citi Field against Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies. The umpires initially ruled it a home run, but after LF Raul Ibanez and manager Charlie Manuel complained, the umpires went to a video review, and after six minutes of looking at video replays, declared that the ball had not cleared the fence and placed Hessman on third base.
Hessman signed with the Orix Buffaloes for 2011. He debuted on Opening Day, April 12. Pinch-hitting for Shunta Goto, he was retired by Tsuyoshi Wada in a 2-2, 12-inning tie.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2007 MVP International League Toledo Mud Hens
