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

Mike Blowers called it a career after the 1999 season, wrapping up an 11-year run in Major League Baseball that started back in 1989. He played third base for five different teams, including the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Oakland Athletics, before heading back to the Mariners for his final season, where he retired in 1999.

Blowers carved out a reputation for steady defense at third and occasional pop at the plate. Over 761 games, he knocked in 290 runs and posted a batting average that proved he was a reliable utility infielder. After his playing days, he stuck around the game, joining the Mariners broadcast booth in 2007 and sharing his baseball know-how with fans ever since.

Early Life and Background

Mike Blowers’ path to pro baseball actually started in Europe, shaped by his military family roots and then really taking off once he landed in Washington state.

Childhood and Education

Born on April 24, 1965 in Wurzburg, Germany, Blowers grew up moving around because of his dad’s military career. Eventually, the family settled in Washington.

He went to Bethel High School in Spanaway, Washington, and that’s where he first started turning heads on the diamond. Even as a teenager, his athleticism and baseball instincts stood out.

Blowers was a solid 6’2″ and weighed in at 190 pounds—pretty much the build scouts love for a corner infielder. Those high school years set him up for what was coming next.

Amateur Baseball Experience

After high school, Blowers played college ball at the University of Washington, where he really started to put it all together. Those college years turned out to be huge for him as a prospect.

With the Huskies, he worked on his power and sharpened his glove at third base. Major league scouts, especially from the Montreal Expos, started to take notice.

In 1986, the Expos drafted Blowers out of UW, kicking off his journey to the majors. His college career gave everyone a preview of the skills that would keep him in the big leagues for over a decade.

Blowers played through the 1980s era of baseball, when the game was shifting from pure power to a more balanced style. That shaped his approach, for sure.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Mike Blowers played solid big league ball from 1989 to 1999, mostly as a third baseman with some pop in his bat. He suited up for a handful of teams, but the Seattle Mariners are the ones fans remember most.

MLB Debut and Rookie Years

The Montreal Expos picked Blowers in the 10th round in 1986, but he actually made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees in 1989. Like a lot of rookies, he didn’t get much playing time at first and had to adjust to major league pitching.

He bounced between the Yankees and their minor league teams, working on his swing and his glove at third. In 1991, the Yankees traded him to the Seattle Mariners, and that’s when things started to click. He finally got more regular playing time and a real shot to prove himself.

Defining Role as Third Baseman

Blowers found his groove with the Mariners in the mid-90s. The 1995 season stands out—he stepped up big as both a defender and a power bat during the Mariners’ playoff push.

He played for the Yankees, Mariners, Dodgers, and Athletics over the years, building a reputation as a steady clubhouse guy and a versatile infielder who could fill in at first base, too.

Blowers became the kind of third baseman you could count on for clutch hits and solid defense. He helped his teams through a pretty wild time in 1990s baseball.

Defensive and Offensive Skills

At third, Blowers showed off good hands and a strong arm. His size—6’2″, 190 pounds—gave him the presence to handle tough plays. Quick reactions helped him hold down the hot corner.

At the plate, Blowers wasn’t a superstar slugger, but he had legit power. He focused on driving the ball, even if it meant his average wasn’t sky-high.

He finished his MLB career batting .257 with 78 homers. His OPS didn’t jump off the page, but he gave teams solid production, especially when he was with Seattle.

After MLB, Blowers played 73 games for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league in 1999, closing out his playing days.

Notable Teams and Key Seasons

Mike Blowers spent time with several teams from 1989 to 1999, but it’s his Seattle Mariners years that really define his career. He also contributed to the Yankees, A’s, and Dodgers.

Seattle Mariners Years

Blowers had his best years with the Seattle Mariners, playing there in 1992-1995, 1997, and 1999. In 1993, he broke out with a .280 average, 15 homers, and 60 RBIs, plus solid defense.

The 1995 season was his career highlight. He belted 23 homers and drove in 96 runs, helping the Mariners make a wild playoff run. His clutch hits were a big part of Seattle’s charge to the AL West title.

That year, Blowers became a fan favorite, coming through in the Division Series against the Yankees and helping the Mariners to their first-ever playoff appearance.

Stints With New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics

Blowers started his MLB journey with the New York Yankees from 1989 to 1991, but he never quite found his footing there, hitting just .209 over three seasons.

In 1998, he joined the Oakland Athletics, playing 98 games and hitting .254 with 11 homers and 45 RBIs. The A’s used him mostly at third, though he filled in at first sometimes, too. His veteran presence was a plus for a young Oakland squad on the rise.

Time With Los Angeles Dodgers and Other Teams

Blowers spent 1996 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting .265 with 12 homers and 44 RBIs over 123 games. He brought solid defense and right-handed power to the lineup, helping the Dodgers come close to a playoff spot.

He started out as a Montreal Expos draft pick, but never played for them in the majors. After his Dodgers stint, he returned to Seattle and wrapped up his MLB career in 1999, after 11 seasons and four organizations.

Standout 1995 and 1996 Seasons

Blowers really hit his stride in 1995 and 1996. Those two years showed off his power and knack for coming through in big moments—no wonder Mariners fans still remember him.

Career Highs and Key Performances

In 1995, Blowers put up career numbers: a .257 average, 23 home runs, and 96 RBIs. His power was a key part of Seattle’s offense.

Batting alongside stars like Edgar Martinez and Alex Rodriguez, Blowers was a reliable cleanup guy when needed.

With the Dodgers in 1996, he kept swinging for power, hitting 17 homers and playing both third and first base. He showed good patience at the plate and delivered in tough spots, helping keep his teams in the hunt.

Memorable Playoff Moments

Blowers had some of his best moments in the 1995 playoffs. The Mariners rallied from a 2-0 deficit against the Yankees in the ALDS, and Blowers chipped in with clutch hits and steady defense at third.

Game 4 of the ALDS stands out—he played a big role in the comeback win that tied the series. On a team with Edgar Martinez and a young Alex Rodriguez, Blowers was right there in the mix for the “Refuse to Lose” Mariners that got Seattle buzzing.

The Mariners fell short in the ALCS against Cleveland, but Blowers’ playoff performance that year is still a career highlight—he showed he could handle the pressure and deliver when it mattered.

Retirement in 1999

Mike Blowers wrapped up his MLB career in 1999, hanging up his cleats after 11 seasons.

Final MLB Appearances

He played his last big league game on October 3, 1999, with the Seattle Mariners. At 34, he finished up where he’d had some of his best years. In 1999, Blowers mostly filled a utility role and didn’t see as much action as he did in his prime.

He ended up with 761 games, 290 runs, and 591 hits over his 11-year career from 1989 to 1999. Blowers played for the Yankees, Mariners, Dodgers, and Athletics—covering a lot of ground before calling it a day.

Transition to Life After Baseball

After he retired, Blowers just couldn’t stay away from the game he loved. He jumped right into a broadcasting career, working as a color commentator for Mariners TV. That move kept him close to Seattle baseball and let him share his perspective on the sport.

Fans quickly warmed up to Blowers. His baseball smarts and easy-going style made him a favorite in the booth. As a former player, he brought a fresh, honest angle to the broadcasts—something you just don’t get from everyone.

He spent years calling Mariners games, building a reputation as a steady, insightful voice. Now, though, it looks like Blowers won’t be back on Root Sports TV in 2025, at 59.

Career Statistics and Accolades

Mike Blowers put up solid offensive numbers in his nine years in the majors, especially when it came to driving in runs for the Mariners. He didn’t always get regular playing time, but he still managed timely hits and respectable power.

Batting and Fielding Achievements

Blowers wrapped up his MLB career with a .257 batting average, 78 home runs, and 365 RBIs over 2,300 at-bats. His best year came in 1995 with Seattle, when he hit .257, knocked 23 homers, and drove in 96 runs, all while helping the Mariners make the playoffs.

At third base, Blowers held his own defensively—sometimes he even flashed real brilliance. His offense peaked from 1993 to 1996, when he piled up most of his career RBIs.

He showed good plate discipline too, finishing with a .329 on-base percentage and a .745 OPS, which isn’t half bad for a guy who bounced around lineups.

Awards and Honors

Blowers never made an All-Star team or won the big MLB awards, but his teammates and writers noticed his impact. In 1995, the Seattle chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America named him Mariners MVP, which was no small feat on a squad with Ken Griffey Jr. and Randy Johnson.

After his time in the majors, Blowers took his game to Japan, suiting up for the Hanshin Tigers in 1999. Playing overseas gave his career a bit of an international twist.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Mike Blowers made his mark on baseball during his 11 years in the big leagues. His influence went beyond just stats—he helped shape the teams he played for and set an example for future third basemen.

Contributions to Teams and Teammates

Blowers brought steady production and leadership to every team he joined. He left his biggest mark with the Seattle Mariners, playing three separate stints (1992-95, 1997, 1999). During the Mariners’ wild 1995 playoff run, Blowers stepped up as a clutch performer.

He also made stops with the Yankees, Dodgers, and Athletics. Teammates often described him as a steady clubhouse presence who always acted like a pro.

In 1999, Blowers took his talents to Japan, playing 73 games with the Hanshin Tigers and helping bridge some of the gap between American and Japanese baseball.

Influence on Third Basemen in MLB

Blowers played third base with a mix of solid defense and real power at the plate. He showed that the position demanded quick reflexes and the ability to drive in runs.

In an era with third base greats like Paul Molitor, Blowers showed teams that you could expect both defense and offense from a third baseman. His 1995 season—.257 average, 23 home runs, 96 RBIs—pretty much summed up what he brought to the table.

He never became a household name, but Blowers set the standard for the kind of reliable, productive third baseman teams wanted in the 1990s. He helped shift expectations for what the position could offer.

Connections With Other Players and Clubs

Mike Blowers made a lot of connections during his baseball journey, moving between teams and building a network across the majors.

Playing Alongside Baseball Legends

During his time with the Seattle Mariners, Blowers shared the clubhouse with some big names who shaped the franchise. He played alongside early Mariners stars and up-and-comers who’d later become household names.

With the Yankees (1989-1991), Blowers joined a team in the middle of a rebuild. He didn’t overlap with legends like Hank Aaron or Willie Mays, but he did face off against Barry Bonds in National League games.

He also crossed paths with players who’d go on to big things, like Ivan Rodriguez, who was just starting to make a name for himself.

Trades and Transactions Across the League

Blowers’ career included a handful of key trades. The biggest? When he landed with the Mariners, where he put up his best numbers.

He also spent time in Oakland and Los Angeles before heading back to Seattle. Each move meant new teammates and a fresh clubhouse vibe.

After his MLB days, Blowers went to Japan and joined the Hanshin Tigers in 1999. That experience connected him with Japanese players and a totally different baseball culture.

Through all these stops, Blowers kept in touch with former teammates, building a network that helped him later on as a broadcaster.

Media Presence and Broadcasting Career

When Blowers finished playing in 1999, he found a new way to stay in the game—as a broadcaster. He became a familiar voice for Mariners fans, sharing his deep knowledge and down-to-earth personality.

Role as a Mariners Broadcaster

Blowers joined the Mariners broadcast team in 2007 and quickly established himself as an analyst who could break down the game for fans. He paired his MLB experience with sharp game analysis that resonated with Seattle’s audience.

Working alongside play-by-play announcers, Blowers made baseball strategy easier to understand. He even made headlines for his uncanny predictions—like the time he called a rookie’s first home run, right down to the details.

People recognized Blowers for his honest, expert takes on the game. He brought a player’s perspective that connected with hardcore fans and casual viewers alike.

Community Involvement and Public Appearances

Outside the booth, Blowers stayed active in the Seattle community. He often showed up at Mariners fan events, chatting with supporters and sharing stories from his playing and broadcasting days.

He’s also a regular at charity events in the Pacific Northwest, using his status as a former player and broadcaster to help out good causes. Kids in the Seattle area get a kick out of seeing him at baseball clinics and youth programs.

Blowers speaks at local businesses and community organizations too, extending his impact beyond just baseball. He represents the Mariners at outreach events, helping to keep the team’s connection with fans strong.

Personal Life and Off-Field Contributions

Blowers has built a meaningful life off the field, focusing on family and giving back to his community. His move from player to broadcaster let him stay close to baseball while exploring new interests.

Family and Hobbies

Blowers keeps his family life pretty private in the Pacific Northwest. After he finished playing with the Hanshin Tigers in 1999, he settled in the Seattle area.

He’s a big golf fan, often joining celebrity and charity golf tournaments. His roots in the region run deep—he went to Bethel High School in Spanaway, Washington, and played college ball at Tacoma Community College.

In 2007, Blowers got inducted into the Tacoma Community College Hall of Fame, not just for his athletic success but for what he’s given back to the local community.

Since then, he’s balanced his role as a Mariners TV analyst with family time, keeping both in his life.

Charitable Work

Blowers has stayed involved with Seattle-area charities since his playing days ended. He’s a regular in the Mariners Care program, supporting a range of causes across the Pacific Northwest.

He often visits children’s hospitals and youth baseball clinics, sharing what he’s learned with the next generation. Blowers has a soft spot for programs that support youth sports and education.

He’s also a fixture at the Mariners’ annual charity golf tournaments, using his platform as a TV analyst to shine a light on community efforts and get fans involved.

Blowers approaches charity work the same way he played baseball: steady, committed, and without a need for the spotlight. Local baseball programs have especially benefited from his mentorship and support.

Mike Blowers in MLB Context

Mike Blowers carved out a place as a reliable contributor over his 11-year MLB run, from 1989 to 1999. His path through different teams and roles offers a window into how competitive baseball was in the ‘90s.

Recognition Among Peers

Blowers earned respect around the league for his power at the plate and defensive flexibility. He never made an All-Star team like Roberto Alomar, but teammates and coaches valued what he brought.

During his best years with the Mariners, Blowers had a knack for clutch hitting. His 1995 season stood out, when he helped Seattle reach the playoffs in their unforgettable “Refuse to Lose” run.

Managers appreciated his ability to play both third and first base, giving them options when filling out the lineup. The Mariners in particular got good use out of his versatility, bringing him back for three different stints.

Blowers’ sharp baseball mind helped him long after his playing days, setting him up for a successful career in broadcasting.

Comparisons to Notable Contemporaries

Stacked up against third basemen from his era, Blowers sat somewhere in the middle—not quite a superstar, but definitely not an afterthought. He didn’t put up the steady numbers of Joe Carter or flash the glove like the top-tier defenders, yet he managed to carve out a reliable spot for himself.

Blowers’ career path reminds me of journeymen like Rob Ducey. He bounced around, filling in gaps for teams like the Yankees, Mariners, and Dodgers, and brought real value wherever he landed.

Sure, his power numbers—78 career home runs—didn’t exactly set the league on fire, but they showed he had some pop. That 1995 season? He cranked 23 home runs and drove in 96 runs. For a lot of everyday players, those numbers would’ve turned heads.

While some guys stuck with teams like the Indians, Royals, or Rockies for years, Blowers found his value in being adaptable. He played all over, in different parks and systems, and that flexibility kept him around.

He finished with a .257 career batting average, which honestly fits right in with utility players from that era—guys who could hit a bit and move around the field when needed.