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

Mike Fischlin played ten seasons in Major League Baseball, mostly as a reliable utility infielder. From 1977 to 1987, he carved out a steady career that not many manage to sustain. Born Michael Thomas Fischlin on September 13, 1955, in Sacramento, California, he grew into a dependable defensive player who handled multiple infield spots for four different teams.

Fischlin bounced around the Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves. He spent most of his time as a backup shortstop and second baseman, giving teams solid defense and a bit of veteran presence.

His path through pro baseball really shows how much teams value versatility and consistency, especially back when utility players were almost a necessity.

Let’s take a look at Fischlin’s stats, his team roles, and the impact he had as a pro ballplayer. From his early days with the Astros to his last season with the Braves, his story is proof that dedication and skill can keep you in the game for a long time.

Baseball Career Overview

Mike Fischlin played ten seasons in Major League Baseball from 1977 to 1987. He broke in with the Houston Astros at just 21 years old.

He played for four different teams, mostly as a backup shortstop and second baseman, and wrapped up his career with the Atlanta Braves in 1987.

Major League Baseball Debut and Early Years

Mike Fischlin made his MLB debut on September 3, 1977, with the Houston Astros. At that point, he was just 21.

The New York Yankees drafted Fischlin in the seventh round of the 1975 MLB June Amateur Draft. He spent two years working his way up in their farm system before getting traded.

On June 15, 1977, the Yankees sent Fischlin, Randy Niemann, and Dave Bergman to the Houston Astros. In return, the Yankees picked up Cliff Johnson.

Fischlin played for the Astros from 1977 to 1978. He went back to Houston briefly in 1980 after some time in the minors.

During the 1980 season, Fischlin played just one game for Houston. That one appearance happened during the Astros’ National League West championship run.

Teams Played For and Positions

Fischlin played for four Major League Baseball teams over his ten-year career:

• Houston Astros (1977-1978, 1980)
• Cleveland Indians (1981-1985)
• New York Yankees (1986)
• Atlanta Braves (1987)

He spent the most time with the Cleveland Indians. Those five seasons in Cleveland, from 1981 to 1985, made up half his MLB career.

Fischlin mostly backed up at shortstop and second base. Sometimes, he filled in at third base if the team needed it.

His flexibility in the infield kept him valuable. Teams always seem to need guys who can cover more than one spot.

Over 517 career games, Fischlin hit .220. He notched three home runs and drove in 68 runs.

Retirement in 1987

Fischlin played his final MLB game on May 11, 1987, with the Atlanta Braves. That wrapped up his ten-year career.

His 1987 run with Atlanta was short. He took on a limited role before hanging it up.

After playing, Fischlin stayed in baseball. He managed the Myrtle Beach Blue Jays in the South Atlantic League in 1989 and 1990.

He also spent nine seasons in the minors between 1975 and 1988. During winters from 1977 through 1980, he played ball in Venezuela with the Cardenales de Lara and Leones del Caracas.

Scott Boras represented Fischlin as one of his first clients. These days, Fischlin works for Boras as the Minister of Culture and President of 0-2 Team.

Statistical Performance and Notable Achievements

Mike Fischlin finished his MLB run with a .220 batting average, 207 hits, 3 home runs, and 68 RBIs in 517 games. His biggest team moment came with the Houston Astros’ 1980 National League West championship squad.

Career Batting Statistics

Fischlin put up modest offensive numbers during his ten years in the majors. He hit .220 with 941 at-bats and 68 RBIs across four teams.

He collected 207 total hits, along with 29 doubles and 6 triples. Power wasn’t his thing—he hit just 3 home runs his entire career.

He scored 109 runs and stole 24 bases. Most of his 68 RBIs came in pinch or spot starts as a backup player.

Fielding and Defensive Contributions

Teams valued Fischlin mostly for his glove and his ability to play anywhere in the infield. He gave reliable fielding at multiple spots.

Coaches leaned on him as a utility player when regulars needed a breather or landed on the injured list.

Being steady in the field helped Fischlin stick around even though his bat was never a major threat. His defense kept him on rosters for a full decade.

1980 National League West Champion Appearance

Fischlin played one game for the Houston Astros’ 1980 National League West championship team. That was his only taste of a division winner in the big leagues.

The 1980 NL West title was the Astros’ first division championship ever. Fischlin, even with just one game, became part of that milestone in Houston.

His single appearance came during the regular season as the Astros clinched the National League West. The team moved on to the National League Championship Series that year.

Standout Games and Milestones

Fischlin made his MLB debut on September 3, 1977, with the Houston Astros at 21. That first game kicked off a career that would last parts of ten seasons.

His last MLB appearance happened on May 11, 1987, with the Atlanta Braves. That game closed the book on his time in both the American and National Leagues.

He played for teams in both leagues, with his longest run coming with the Cleveland Indians in the AL from 1981 to 1985.

Fischlin also suited up for the New York Yankees in 1986 before finishing up with Atlanta in 1987. He hung around the majors for a decade, always finding a way to contribute.

Team-Based Career Breakdown

Mike Fischlin’s MLB journey took him through four organizations, with his longest stay coming with the Cleveland Indians from 1981-1985. He started and ended his career in the National League, but found his stride in Cleveland.

Houston Astros Tenure

Fischlin got his big league start with the Houston Astros after they traded for him from the Yankees on June 15, 1977. The Astros picked up Fischlin, Randy Niemann, and Dave Bergman in exchange for Cliff Johnson.

He debuted on September 3, 1977, at 21. Fischlin played parts of three seasons with Houston from 1977-1978, then briefly in 1980.

His most notable moment with Houston came in 1980, when the Astros won the National League West. He only played one game that season, but he was still part of the roster for their first division title.

Fischlin mostly backed up in the infield during his Astros years. He learned the big league ropes and chipped in when the coaches called his number.

Cleveland Indians Highlights

Fischlin found his most stable role with the Cleveland Indians from 1981-1985. That five-year stretch was his longest with any team.

Key Cleveland Statistics:

• Seasons: 1981-1985
• Primary Position: Shortstop/Second Base
• Role: Backup infielder and utility player

Cleveland gave Fischlin his most consistent playing time. He became a go-to defensive sub, able to fill in at shortstop or second base.

The Indians liked having him as a steady glove off the bench. Fischlin’s ability to move around the infield made him a useful piece.

His defense stood out to the coaching staff. Even though his batting average stayed low, his glove kept him on the roster year after year.

Time with the New York Yankees

Fischlin circled back to the New York Yankees in 1986, the team that drafted him in 1975. That reunion probably felt a little surreal.

His 1986 stint with the Yankees didn’t last long, but it mattered to him. The organization that once took a chance on him gave him another shot in the majors.

The Yankees used Fischlin like most teams did—as a backup infielder. He brought some veteran presence and depth to the bench.

Even though his time in pinstripes was short, Fischlin showed up ready and professional, as always.

Final Season with the Atlanta Braves

Fischlin finished out his big league career with the Atlanta Braves in 1987. His last MLB game came on May 11, 1987.

The Braves brought him in for his experience and to shore up the infield. With time on several teams, Fischlin knew how to fit in and help out.

Career Finale Statistics:

• Final Game: May 11, 1987
• Career Batting Average: .220
• Total Games: 517
• Career RBIs: 68

His Atlanta stint was short but capped off a solid ten years in the majors. Even at the end, he still showed he could help a big league club.

Personal Life and Background

Michael Thomas Fischlin was born September 13, 1955, in Sacramento, California. After he stopped playing professional baseball in 1987, he moved into player development and stayed involved in the sport.

Early Life and Education

Mike Fischlin grew up in Sacramento and went to Elk Grove High School. He showed some real athletic promise there, which set him on the path to pro ball.

After high school, Fischlin attended Cosumnes River College in Sacramento. That gave him a chance to keep playing infield and stay close to home.

He later went to California State University, Sacramento, where he worked on both his academic and baseball skills. Those college years really mattered for his growth as a player.

The New York Yankees noticed his talent and picked him in the 7th round of the 1975 MLB June Amateur Draft. That selection came after his time at Cosumnes River College and kicked off his professional journey.

Life After Baseball

After Mike Fischlin retired from playing in 1987, he stayed involved with baseball in different ways. He took on jobs like managing in the minor leagues, where he tried to help young players develop their skills.

He managed the Myrtle Beach Blue Jays for two seasons in the South Atlantic League. In 1989, the team finished with a 59-83 record. The next year, they improved a lot, going 77-63 and landing in 4th place.

Eventually, Fischlin joined the Scott Boras Corporation and led the player development department. He used his baseball know-how and experience to guide young players, which honestly seems like a great fit for him. Working with such a big sports agency let him keep giving back to the sport even after his own playing days ended.

Legacy and Impact

During his ten years in the MLB, Mike Fischlin became the kind of utility infielder teams could count on. He bounced around four organizations, and coaches valued his versatility and reliability.

Teammates and coaches often praised his defensive skills. He always took his backup role seriously and acted like a pro.

Influence as a Utility Infielder

Fischlin really showed what a utility infielder could do between 1977 and 1987. He played shortstop, second base, and third base well enough that the Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves all found spots for him.

Managers used Fischlin in different infield positions, trusting that he wouldn’t let them down defensively. It must’ve been comforting to know you could plug him in just about anywhere.

He spent the most time with the Cleveland Indians from 1981 to 1985. There, he played plenty of games as a backup shortstop and second baseman. That long run with one team really showed how much they counted on him as a solid defensive sub.

Fischlin finished his career with a .220 batting average, 3 home runs, and 68 RBIs in 517 games. He wasn’t a power hitter, but he chipped in with timely hits when it mattered.

Reputation Among Peers and Fans

People around baseball respected Fischlin for the way he handled his backup role. He didn’t complain about playing time. Instead, he stayed ready and made himself a good teammate everywhere he went.

Managers kept him on the roster throughout the 1980s because they trusted his glove at shortstop and second base. When they needed steady defense, Fischlin answered the call.

After he retired in 1987, he moved into managing in the minors. He managed the single-A Myrtle Beach Blue Jays in 1989 and 1990, sharing what he knew with up-and-coming players.

Baseball organizations saw his value and gave him leadership jobs after his playing career ended. That says a lot about the respect he earned in the game.

Net Worth and Post-Retirement Activities

Mike Fischlin made a decent living during his MLB days, and his net worth now sits at about $8 million. Even after he stopped playing, he stayed close to baseball, working as a coach and scout.

Estimated Net Worth

Recent estimates put Mike Fischlin’s net worth around $8 million. Most of that comes from his ten years in Major League Baseball, from 1977 to 1987.

He earned his paychecks with teams like the Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves. As a utility guy, he didn’t rake in superstar money, but sticking around for a decade added up.

Besides his MLB salary, he probably earned more from coaching, scouting, and maybe a few smart investments. His post-retirement baseball jobs likely brought in some extra income too.

Roles in Baseball After Playing Career

After he retired from professional baseball in 1987, Fischlin jumped into coaching and scouting. With a decade of MLB experience, he brought a lot to the table for teams looking for baseball smarts.

He mentored young players trying to sharpen their skills. Since he played all over the infield—shortstop, second, and third—he could offer advice that not everyone else had.

Fischlin scouted talent at different levels and really got to know what organizations want in a player. Playing for four MLB teams gave him a broader view of the game.

He stayed close to professional baseball through these roles. If anything, his passion for the sport just kept showing up in the way he helped develop new talent.