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

Baseball fans from the 1980s might remember Mike Mason as a left-handed pitcher who quietly made his mark during an era packed with legendary players. Michael Paul Mason pitched for seven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1982 to 1988, racking up a record of 29 wins and 39 losses while striking out 363 batters across three teams.

He was born on November 21, 1958, in Faribault, Minnesota. Mason’s journey through professional baseball took him from the Texas Rangers to the Chicago Cubs and, finally, to the Minnesota Twins.

His career didn’t produce Hall of Fame numbers, but honestly, his story shows the dedication and grit of so many players who built the backbone of America’s pastime in the 1980s.

From his debut with the Texas Rangers in September 1982 to his last appearance with the Minnesota Twins in May 1988, Mason’s career gives a glimpse into the ups and downs of pro baseball. After playing, he moved into coaching, proving that former athletes can keep giving back to the sport they love.

Early Life and Background

Michael Paul Mason was born on November 21, 1958, in Faribault, Minnesota. His baseball journey started in small-town Minnesota and eventually led him to the big leagues in the 1980s.

He followed a pretty classic route, moving through amateur and college baseball before turning pro.

Birthplace and Family

Michael Paul Mason grew up in Faribault, Minnesota, a small city about 50 miles south of Minneapolis. Born on November 21, 1958, he was raised right in the heart of a region with a strong baseball tradition.

Faribault gave Mason his first taste of organized baseball. The city’s location in Minnesota’s baseball country meant he had access to solid youth programs and lots of competition.

His family supported his athletic development during those early years. Growing up in Minnesota, Mason soaked up the state’s deep baseball culture from the start.

People came to know him as Mike Mason, though his full name is Michael Paul Mason. That middle name, Paul, tied him to family traditions that shaped his early life.

Education and College Baseball

Mason’s education set the stage for his baseball career. His college years gave him the training and exposure he needed to catch the eye of pro scouts.

During his amateur days, Mason honed the pitching skills that would define his professional game. He built a reputation as a control pitcher, relying on accuracy more than blazing speed.

College baseball taught him the basics of pitching against tougher competition. This time was crucial in getting him ready for the demands of pro ball.

The structure of college baseball helped Mason sharpen his technique and mental game. Those lessons stuck with him as he moved up the ranks.

Path to Major League Baseball

Mason worked his way up through the traditional minor league system. Scouts saw his potential as a reliable pitcher with good control.

His minor league career lasted several years before he finally got the call to the majors. He kept developing his skills in various farm systems during that stretch.

The jump from amateur to pro baseball took some serious adjustment. Mason learned to compete against players with similar abilities and higher expectations.

He stuck with it through the minors and eventually made his major league debut on September 13, 1982, with the Texas Rangers. At 23, Mason reached his dream of pitching at the highest level.

Professional Career Overview

Mike Mason built a reputation as a reliable pitcher during his seven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1982 to 1988. He put together a 29-39 record with a 4.53 ERA and 363 strikeouts over 141 games for three different teams.

MLB Debut and Rise

Mason made his Major League Baseball debut with the Texas Rangers in 1982 at age 23. His first season saw limited action, but he started 4 games and posted a 1-2 record with a 5.09 ERA.

The 1984 season became Mason’s breakout year. He carved out a spot in the Rangers’ rotation, making 24 starts out of 36 total appearances.

That year, he put up his best numbers with a 9-13 record and a 3.61 ERA. He threw 184.1 innings and struck out 113 batters, showing he could handle a heavy workload.

Mason’s most productive years came from 1984 to 1986 with Texas. Over those three seasons, he made 84 starts and pitched more than 498 innings. In 1986, he had his best winning percentage, going 7-3 for a .700 mark.

Positions and Playing Style

Mason pitched exclusively throughout his career. He mostly worked as a starting pitcher, starting 90 out of his 140 career games.

He didn’t overpower hitters with speed. Instead, Mason relied on consistency and location, averaging 5.4 strikeouts per nine innings—a sign he was more finesse than fireball.

The Rangers used him best as a rotation starter. Mason completed 7 games in his career and tossed 2 shutouts, both while with Texas.

He showed some flexibility, too, pitching for multiple teams. After six seasons with Texas, Mason played for the Chicago Cubs in 1987 and wrapped up his career with the Minnesota Twins in 1988.

Major League Teams and Seasons

Mike Mason pitched for three Major League teams from 1982 to 1988. He spent most of his time with the Texas Rangers, then had short runs with the Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins before hanging up his cleats.

Texas Rangers Tenure

Mason started his Major League career with the Texas Rangers on September 13, 1982, at age 23. He made his debut against the Minnesota Twins, pitching seven innings and allowing two earned runs.

He spent the bulk of his career in Texas from 1982 through 1987. His 1984 season was his high point, making him a key piece of the Rangers’ rotation.

During his Texas years, Mason became a reliable starter. He passed rookie limits in 1984, officially losing his rookie status that season.

The Rangers gave Mason the most consistent shot to prove himself. He got plenty of chances to grow his game at the major league level.

Chicago Cubs Experience

The Chicago Cubs picked up Mason in a mid-season trade from Texas during the 1987 season. His time with Chicago was short but gave him a shot to pitch in the National League.

Mason’s stint with the Cubs only lasted part of the 1987 season. The move brought him new coaches and a different team approach to pitching.

That brief Cubs experience marked a transitional phase in Mason’s career, bridging his long Texas run with his final season in pro baseball.

Minnesota Twins Final Season

Mason finished his Major League career with the Minnesota Twins in 1988. His last game came on May 8, 1988, against the Boston Red Sox, when he was 29.

Coming back home made sense for the Faribault, Minnesota native. Mason wrapped up his pro career in his home state.

His final outing didn’t go as planned—he didn’t record an out and allowed four earned runs. That tough day marked the end of his six-year major league run.

By the end, Mason’s career stats included 29 wins, 39 losses, a 4.53 ERA, and 363 strikeouts across 141 games.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Mike Mason’s seven-year MLB career hit its high point with the Texas Rangers in 1984, when he stepped up as a reliable starter. His 363 career strikeouts and ability to pitch for three organizations showed his value as a pro.

Notable Seasons and Performances

Mason’s 1984 season with the Rangers stands out. He finished 9-13 with a 3.61 ERA over 184.1 innings. That year, he posted a WAR of 3.9, his best single-season mark.

The 1984 campaign showed Mason’s durability and effectiveness. He made 36 appearances, started 24 games, and completed four. His 113 strikeouts that season were his best strikeout total.

In 1986, he put up a .700 winning percentage, going 7-3. He kept good control with a 4.33 ERA over 135 innings.

His short run with the Cubs in 1987 resulted in a 4-1 record, showing he could still help a team out even after a mid-season move.

Statistical Accomplishments

Mason finished his career with 29 wins and 39 losses and a 4.53 ERA. He struck out 363 batters, walked 249, and posted a 1.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

His career numbers include:

• 605.2 innings pitched over 140 games
• 90 starts with 7 complete games
• 2 shutouts with Texas

His best statistical year was 1984, when he set career highs in innings (184.1), strikeouts (113), and WAR (3.9). He logged 30 or more appearances in three different seasons, proving his durability.

Mason averaged 9 wins per 162 games throughout his career. He showed he could handle both starting and relief duties.

Legacy as a Pitcher

Mason spent most of his career with the Texas Rangers, appearing in 118 games over six seasons. He became a steady part of the rotation in the mid-1980s, pitching 561 innings for the team.

He showed versatility, moving between starting and relief roles. Mason made 90 starts and came out of the bullpen in 50 games.

He wrapped up his career with his home-state Twins in 1988. Even though his last season was short, Mason’s journey came full circle.

He played in both the American and National Leagues, adapting to different teams and styles. Mason helped stabilize rotations during his prime Texas years.

Retirement and Transition

Mike Mason’s baseball career ended in 1988 after six seasons in the majors. His final game with the Minnesota Twins closed out a journey that took him across three teams.

Decision to Retire in 1988

Mason decided to retire after struggling during his last season with the Twins. By then, the lefty had a career record of 29 wins and 39 losses over 141 games, with a 4.53 ERA.

His best years came earlier, especially in 1984 with Texas. By 1988, Mason was 29 and had spent six seasons in the majors.

Major League Baseball’s competitive nature meant players needed to perform to stick around. Mason’s struggles on the mound probably played a role in his decision to walk away.

Final MLB Appearance

Mason pitched in his last Major League game on May 8, 1988, for the Minnesota Twins. That game ended a career that started six years earlier with the Texas Rangers on September 13, 1982.

The Twins were Mason’s third and last big-league team. Before that, he played for the Rangers from 1982 to 1987 and had a brief stint with the Cubs in 1987.

He finished with 363 strikeouts over his six years in the majors. Mason batted and threw left-handed throughout his career.

Life After Professional Baseball

After retiring, Mason shifted into coaching in the baseball world. He became the pitching coach for the Iowa Cubs, staying involved in pro baseball from a new angle.

The Iowa Cubs, a Triple-A affiliate, gave Mason a chance to pass on his Major League experience to up-and-coming players. As pitching coach, he used everything he’d learned in his six big-league seasons.

Mason’s move to coaching showed a common path for former Major Leaguers who want to keep their ties to the game.

Coaching Career and Current Role

After Mike Mason retired from Major League Baseball in 1988, he jumped right into coaching. He’s spent years developing pitchers in the minor leagues and, honestly, seems to have found his niche there.

Right now, he works as the pitching coach for the Iowa Cubs. Mason has spent several seasons there, guiding young prospects and helping them find their footing.

Coaching Journey After Retirement

As soon as he hung up his cleats, Mason dove into coaching. He focused on helping pitchers grow in the minor league system.

He brought his seven seasons of Major League experience into his coaching style. Mason really gets what young pitchers go through as they chase their MLB dreams.

During the offseasons, Mason volunteered at Concordia University in Minnesota. He spent time with college pitchers, sharing what he’d learned as a pro.

He likes to help pitchers develop both their mechanics and their mental game. Pitching for three different MLB teams gave Mason plenty of stories and lessons to pass along.

Pitching Coach for Iowa Cubs

Mason now serves as the pitching coach for the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For him, this feels like the peak of his coaching career.

He works closely with some of the Cubs’ top pitching prospects. These guys are often just a step away from the big leagues.

Mason has held this position for several years, and players respect him as a teacher. His Major League background gives him a certain credibility in the clubhouse.

With the Iowa Cubs, Mason gets to help advanced prospects sharpen their skills before they (hopefully) get called up. His advice and guidance can make a real difference as they prepare for the next level.

Personal Life and Net Worth

Michael Paul Mason has kept his personal life pretty private since stepping away from professional baseball in 1988. His estimated net worth sits around $5 million, which shows just how much his career as both a player and coach has paid off.

Family and Personal Interests

Mike Mason was born on November 21, 1958, in Faribault, Minnesota. He’s chosen to keep his family life mostly out of the public eye, both during and after his playing days.

There isn’t much public info about Mason’s immediate family or relationships. He’s just always preferred to keep things quiet in that area.

Mason’s ties to Minnesota have stayed strong. He even got to play for the Minnesota Twins at the end of his career, which must’ve felt pretty special.

He was born under the Capricorn sign. Maybe those Minnesota roots and that sign shaped his work ethic and attitude during his six-year Major League Baseball run.

Net Worth Information

Mike Mason’s net worth is estimated at $5 million as of the latest reports. Most of that comes from his years as a professional player and his ongoing work as a pitching coach.

His earnings from 1982 to 1988, when he played for the Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, and Minnesota Twins, really set the foundation for his finances.

These days, his role as pitching coach for the Iowa Cubs keeps him earning a steady income. It lets him stay close to the game while keeping his financial future secure.

Public Recognition and Legacy

People in baseball circles know Mason for his steady pitching throughout the 1980s. He actually had his best season in 1984, pitching for the Texas Rangers.

Baseball reference sites and player databases still track his career stats. He spent six years in the majors, joining the ranks of thousands who made it that far.

Right now, Mason coaches for the Iowa Cubs. That’s the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, which, by the way, is the team he once played for.

His legacy really sticks to both his playing days and the way he mentors younger pitchers. Mason kind of stands for all those guys who had good, if not headline-grabbing, major league careers.