Mike Devereauxnull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Mike “Devo” Devereaux called it a career in 1998, wrapping up a solid 12-year run in the majors. He bounced around five teams but really made his mark during his six seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. Fans mostly remember him for his dependable defense and the occasional pop in his bat. Things came full circle when he landed back with the Los Angeles Dodgers—the team that took a chance on him in the first place—for a brief final stint in 1998.

Devereaux had some memorable moments, especially his clutch showing in the 1995 NLCS that won him MVP honors with the Atlanta Braves. After playing just nine games with the Dodgers in 1998, the team let him go on May 6, which pretty much marked the end of his MLB days. He never reached superstar status, but he definitely carved out a respectable niche as a role player who could impact games with his glove—and sometimes his bat, too.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Mike Devereaux got his start in Casper, Wyoming, where he was born on April 10, 1963. He grew up as the youngest of four in a family that loved sports, and that early atmosphere nudged him toward an athletic path.

High School and College Years

Growing up in Wyoming—hardly a baseball hotbed—Devereaux stood out in high school in Casper, showing off some serious athleticism. He played multiple sports and developed the quickness and coordination that later defined his outfield game.

After high school, he headed to Mesa Community College in Arizona, where he kept sharpening his baseball skills. Scouts started to notice his speed and strong defense.

He then transferred to Arizona State University, joining a well-known baseball program that’s produced loads of pros. At ASU, he got to test himself against top college talent and really grew as a center fielder.

Draft and Scouting Reports

The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Devereaux in the fifth round of the 1985 amateur draft. Scouts loved his athleticism and saw big potential in his outfield defense.

They raved about his speed and range, which made him stand out even though his hitting was still a work in progress.

Some of the key takeaways from his scouting reports:

• Speed: Off the charts
• Arm strength: Better than most
• Defensive instincts: Top notch
• Power potential: Still developing

The Dodgers figured he could turn into a valuable outfielder, and honestly, they weren’t wrong—he ended up sticking around for 12 big-league seasons after signing in 1985.

Professional Debut and the Early Years

Mike Devereaux started grinding through the minors in the mid-1980s, working his way up before finally reaching the big leagues. Those early years were all about learning and adapting as he tried to prove he belonged.

Entry Into Major League Baseball

Devereaux made his MLB debut on September 2, 1987, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers had grabbed him in the fifth round of the 1985 draft, 116th overall, after his stint at Arizona State.

He spent some time in the Dodgers’ minor league system, getting his reps as an outfielder. His first call-up came late in the 1987 season, giving him a taste of the big leagues.

Devereaux flashed some promise in that first stint, but he didn’t lock down a regular spot right away. That early experience gave him a sense of what it would take to stick around.

Early Teams and Positions

He started his career with the Dodgers, playing parts of three seasons (1987-1989) before a trade sent him to the Baltimore Orioles. That move turned out to be a big deal for his development.

In Baltimore, Devereaux mostly played center field, where his speed and range really paid off. He became a key piece of their defense pretty quickly.

Switching teams forced Devereaux to adjust his approach. He didn’t have natural power, but he worked at becoming a more balanced player—solid on defense, with some pop and speed on the bases.

Managers liked having him around because he could fill different roles and help shore up the outfield.

Notable Teammates and Managers

Devereaux got to play with some real legends, especially during his Orioles years. He shared the field with Cal Ripken Jr., who was deep into his famous consecutive-games streak at the time.

He also played alongside Harold Baines, a true pro at the plate, and Chris Hoiles, the main catcher. The coaching staff included respected guys like Elrod Hendricks and Terry Crowley.

These veterans and coaches helped Devereaux grow as a player. Even though Earl Weaver had retired before Devereaux arrived, the culture Weaver built still influenced the team.

Learning from these experienced folks helped Devereaux settle in and find his place in the majors.

Baltimore Orioles Tenure

Mike Devereaux spent the heart of his career with the Baltimore Orioles, standing out as a defensive anchor and a guy who came through in big moments. From 1989 to 1994, and again briefly in 1996, he became one of the most dependable outfielders on the squad during a time of change for the team.

Key Moments and Highlights

Devereaux’s run with the Orioles had more than a few highlights. His best season, hands down, came in 1992—he hit .276 with 24 homers and 107 RBIs, even got some MVP votes. That year, he delivered several game-winners, including a walk-off homer against the California Angels in August that still gets mentioned by fans.

Back in 1989, he made a catch that’s become part of Orioles lore—he robbed Jesse Barfield of a home run by leaping way above the center field wall. Plays like that cemented his reputation as a top-tier defender.

When he returned to Baltimore in 1996, Devereaux played a role in the team’s playoff push. His knack for clutch hitting helped the Orioles reach the ALCS against the Yankees.

Role on the Team

Devereaux mostly handled center field, using his speed and instincts to cover a ton of ground. Pitchers like Mike Mussina definitely appreciated having him chase down fly balls in the gaps.

At the plate, Devereaux chipped in with a little bit of everything—not just power, not just contact, but a mix of both:

• Extra-base hits
• Base stealing threat
• Clutch at-bats when it mattered
• Flexibility in the lineup

Manager Johnny Oates often talked up Devereaux’s work ethic and team-first attitude. He hit in the middle of the order during his best years but could slot in almost anywhere.

Relationships With Orioles Players and Staff

Devereaux built strong friendships with guys like Cal Ripken Jr. and Chris Hoiles while in Baltimore. He wasn’t the loudest guy in the room, but people respected his professionalism and quiet leadership.

His relationship with hitting coach Greg Biagini was especially important—Biagini helped him tweak his swing, which paid off in that big 1992 season.

Devereaux also got along well with the front office, especially GM Roland Hemond. That mutual respect showed when the team brought him back for 1996 after his stops with the White Sox and Braves.

Even after retiring, Devereaux stayed connected, coming back for Orioles alumni events and keeping in touch with old teammates like Leo Gomez and Brady Anderson.

Impact on Franchise History

The Orioles didn’t win a World Series while Devereaux was around, but he played a key role bridging the gap between the 1983 champs and the strong teams of the mid-’90s.

He made an impact off the field, too. With “Mike Devereaux’s Orioles,” he helped provide equipment and field upgrades for underprivileged kids in Baltimore. That kind of community work showed he cared about the city, not just the team.

Statistically, his 1992 season stands out as one of the best ever by an Orioles outfielder. He showed off the full package—power, speed, defense.

He also helped set the tone for younger players like Rafael Palmeiro, who came in as Devereaux’s time was winding down. His professional approach gave the next wave of players something to emulate.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Mike Devereaux put together a 12-year MLB career, showing off his skills with several teams and making a mark both at the plate and in the field.

Most Memorable Performances

One of Devereaux’s biggest moments came with the Orioles, where he built a reputation as a clutch player. On August 15, 1989, he blasted a walk-off home run in the 11th inning against the California Angels—a moment Orioles fans still talk about.

His grand slam against the Blue Jays in 1992 was another huge highlight, helping the Orioles in a key playoff chase.

While with the Chicago White Sox in 1995, Devereaux had a two-homer game against the Tigers, driving in six runs and reminding people he could change a game with his bat.

Awards and Recognition

People noticed Devereaux’s defense, even though he never snagged a Gold Glove. He consistently played above-average outfield, making him valuable even if he didn’t have the hardware.

The high point for individual honors came when he earned 1995 ALCS MVP with the Atlanta Braves. He came up with huge hits against the Reds, pushing the Braves into the World Series.

He also picked up a World Series ring with the Braves in 1995, which is always a nice addition to the résumé.

Defining Moments

In 1992, Devereaux had his career year with the Orioles, setting personal bests in several categories:

• 24 home runs
• 107 RBIs
• .276 average
• 139 games

His glove work in center field was his calling card, though. On June 5, 1992, he made a leaping catch at the wall to rob Danny Tartabull of a home run—a play a lot of fans still remember.

Known as “Devo”, he played all three outfield spots and built a reputation for his steady glove and strong arm.

Chicago White Sox and National League Experience

Mike Devereaux’s journey took a new turn in 1995 when he joined the Chicago White Sox, then got traded to the Atlanta Braves later that year. That move gave him a shot to play—and win—in both leagues.

Transition to the Chicago White Sox

In February 1995, Devereaux signed with the Chicago White Sox, stepping into a clubhouse with guys like Frank Thomas—who, let’s be honest, was already a legend in the making—and pitchers Wilson Alvarez, Alex Fernandez, and Jason Bere. The White Sox had just come off that weird strike-shortened ’94 season, sitting in first place when everything just…stopped.

Devereaux gave the Chicago team some much-needed veteran outfield depth, and the championship aspirations around the club felt real. He played in 89 games, mostly as a fourth outfielder or late-inning defensive sub.

Statistically, his time with Chicago didn’t really jump off the page—he hit just .225, sharing the outfield with sluggers like Thomas and the newly-added Albert Belle.

Notable Games and Contributions

Then, in August 1995, the White Sox traded Devereaux to the Atlanta Braves, and his career took a wild, unexpected turn. The switch to the National League worked out way better than most people expected—suddenly, Devereaux was a postseason hero.

He made his mark in the 1995 NLCS against the Cincinnati Reds: a game-winning hit in Game 1, a clutch home run in Game 4, and—surprisingly, maybe—he grabbed the NLCS MVP award even though he wasn’t an everyday starter.

The Braves won the ’95 World Series over the Cleveland Indians, and Devereaux finally got that World Series ring. Those big moments in October really showed he could handle the pressure.

After Atlanta, Devereaux played the 1996 season with the Texas Rangers, then circled back to Atlanta in ’97, and finally returned to the Dodgers in 1998 to close out his career.

Key Teammates and Influential Figures

Over twelve MLB seasons, Mike Devereaux got to share the field with some of baseball’s all-time greats and picked up lessons from some brilliant baseball minds. Hall of Famers and sharp coaches definitely left their mark on him.

Collaboration With Hall of Fame Players

While with the Orioles, Devereaux found himself in the same outfield as Cal Ripken Jr., who was busy making history with that consecutive games streak. Off the field, Ripken’s relentless work ethic rubbed off on Devereaux.

He also played with Roberto Alomar, whose defensive wizardry and steady bat set the standard. Harold Baines—another Orioles mainstay—shared plenty of hitting advice with him.

Mickey Tettleton, that switch-hitting catcher with some real pop, teamed up with Devereaux in the early ’90s Orioles lineup. Together, they gave Baltimore a fighting chance in the brutal AL East.

Legendary Managers and Coaches

Earl Weaver, wrapping up his managerial career when Devereaux landed in Baltimore, still left a deep impression. Weaver’s focus on power, patience, and defense became part of Devereaux’s game.

Davey Johnson managed Devereaux during the Braves’ championship run in ’95. Johnson trusted Devereaux to come through in big spots, and that trust paid off in the postseason.

Hitting coach Terry Crowley played a huge role in Devereaux’s growth at the plate. With Crowley’s help, Devereaux shifted from relying mostly on his speed to showing unexpected power—like that 24-homer season in ’92.

Don Buford, himself a former Orioles outfielder, mentored Devereaux on defense and baserunning. Buford’s advice helped Devereaux make the most of his athleticism.

1998: The Final Season and Retirement

Mike Devereaux circled back to the Los Angeles Dodgers for his final season in the majors. Kind of fitting, since LA drafted him way back when.

Performance in 1998

That last year with the Dodgers was short-lived. He got into just a handful of games, with his final MLB appearance coming on April 17, 1998, at age 35. By then, his opportunities had really dried up.

He struggled at the plate in those limited chances. The Dodgers had a packed outfield, and it was tough for Devereaux to carve out a spot as a veteran.

Eventually, the team cut ties as they looked to the future and brought up younger players. Devereaux’s role just wasn’t there anymore.

Transition to Retirement

After the Dodgers released him, Devereaux decided to retire from professional baseball. His career spanned 12 seasons, from 1987 to 1998, with stops in Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, Texas, and LA.

He wrapped up his career with:

• 949 hits
• 105 home runs
• 14.6 career WAR
• 1 World Series ring (Atlanta, 1995)

Devereaux mostly stayed out of the spotlight after retiring. He didn’t jump into broadcasting or high-profile coaching gigs—just kind of faded into a quieter life.

Fans still remember him as “Devo,” especially for his outfield defense and those clutch playoff hits in Baltimore.

Post-Retirement Life and Legacy

Once he hung up his cleats in 1998, Mike Devereaux shifted gears from player to mentor, staying close to baseball through coaching and community work. He’s kept influencing the game in his own way.

Coaching and Mentoring Roles

After retiring in 1998, Devereaux stayed in the game, coaching in the Dodgers’ minor league system and working with young outfielders during spring training.

He’s big on fundamentals and mental prep—the stuff that kept him in the majors for a dozen years. Having bounced between five organizations, he’s got a lot of perspectives to share.

“I try to teach what I learned from both Earl Weaver and Tommy Lasorda,” Devereaux once said, tipping his cap to the managers who shaped him.

In 2010, he joined the Orioles’ spring training staff as a guest instructor. That let him reconnect with Baltimore and help out the next generation.

Impact on Baseball Community

Devereaux has kept close ties to baseball through charity and outreach. Fans still call him “Devo,” and he’s a regular at Orioles alumni events and fantasy camps, where he shares stories and tips.

He’s worked with youth baseball in Baltimore and back home in Wyoming, setting up clinics to get more kids into the game—especially in places where baseball isn’t the main sport.

He’s been especially active with inner-city baseball programs, wanting to give kids the same shot he had. Through his efforts, more young players have gotten access to coaching and better facilities.

His message of hope goes beyond baseball, too—he’s used his platform to help with health causes and other community needs.

Influence on Future Generations

Devereaux’s legacy lives on through the players he’s mentored. Some current and former MLB outfielders credit him for helping them out in the minors.

His playing style—speed, defense, and clutch hitting—still serves as a blueprint for utility outfielders. Coaches often point to his career as proof that you can make a difference without being a superstar.

He backs training methods and products that focus on building well-rounded athletes, not just one-trick ponies. That mindset matches his own journey from prospect to World Series champ.

Younger players especially appreciate his advice on longevity. Having played until 35, Devereaux knows a thing or two about staying healthy and adjusting as you age.

He keeps showing up at baseball events, making sure new fans remember what players from his era brought to the game.

Historical Context and Comparisons

Mike Devereaux came up during a pretty wild time in baseball, sharing the field with some seriously talented players and carving out his own spot in the mix. His career highlights show how the role of outfielders changed in the ’90s, and how he measured up to the competition.

Position in Baseball History

Mike Devereaux made his mark as a center fielder who could handle himself with the glove and chip in offensively. He played from 1987 to 1998, right as baseball was shifting toward more power hitting.

He wasn’t Willie Mays, sure, but Devereaux fit the mold of a valuable role player who could change a game with a big hit or a great catch. That 1992 season—24 home runs, 107 RBIs—was really something.

His career overlapped with the rise of Barry Bonds and the last echoes of Hank Aaron’s influence on how outfielders got judged. Devereaux didn’t reach Hall of Fame heights like Carlton Fisk, but his steady play shows how important those glue guys are in baseball history.

Comparison to Contemporaries

Comparing Devereaux to his peers:

Player	Career BA	Home Runs	Gold Gloves	All-Star Appearances
Mike Devereaux	.254	105	0	0
Vladimir Guerrero	.318	449	0	9
Jeffrey Hammonds	.272	110	0	1

Devereaux’s defense in center field often got him compared to the best, even if his bat didn’t match guys like Vladimir Guerrero. His ability to adapt kept him in the league for twelve seasons with five teams.

Unlike Jeffrey Hammonds (a former teammate), Devereaux stuck around longer thanks to consistent play and flexibility. That NLCS MVP moment in 1995 really cemented his reputation as a guy who rose to the occasion.

Trivia and Lesser-Known Facts

Mike Devereaux’s career had plenty of cool moments that don’t always show up in the stats. He made an impact behind the scenes and off the field, too.

Off-Field Activities

During his playing days, Devereaux got involved with community programs, especially youth baseball. He mentored younger players, even sharing outfield tips with future stars like Steve Finley when their paths crossed.

He kept close friendships with guys like Chris Sabo and Delino DeShields, joining them for charity golf tournaments in the offseason. After hanging it up, he worked as a hitting instructor for several teams.

Unlike a lot of players who just disappear after retirement, Devereaux stayed tied to the Orioles organization. He’s a regular at alumni get-togethers and helps out at fantasy camps, working alongside old teammates and coaches.

Unique Accomplishments

Devereaux hit the first Orioles home run at Camden Yards on April 9, 1992, taking Cleveland Indians pitcher Jack Armstrong deep. That swing instantly etched his name into Orioles history.

He could play anywhere in the outfield—left, center, right—you name it. Managers like Les Moss loved having that sort of flexibility. Not every player can handle all those spots, but Devereaux made it look pretty easy.

Most folks didn’t expect him to become a postseason star, but he snagged the 1995 NLCS MVP award with the Atlanta Braves. He came through in big moments, even though he mostly filled a supporting role that year. That was a twist nobody really saw coming.

He also played a key part on the “Why Not?” 1989 Orioles squad—the team that almost pulled off one of baseball’s wildest turnarounds, jumping from last place the year before to contending right up to the season’s final weekend.