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

Mike Felder, the speedy outfielder who roamed the grass for a handful of MLB teams in the ’80s and early ’90s, called it quits after the 1994 season. Felder, a switch-hitter, played his final games with the Houston Astros at 32, ending an 11-year major league career that kicked off with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1985.

At just 5’8″ and 160 pounds, Felder made his name with his speed, not power. He started out with the Brewers, then moved to the San Francisco Giants, and wrapped things up with short runs for the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros in the 1993 and 1994 seasons.

Before he stepped away from the game, Felder carved out a reputation as a valuable role player—mostly for his defense and base-stealing ability. He never became a superstar, but his versatility and quickness made him a handy asset for every team he played for. His pro journey began when he made his rookie debut back in 1983.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Mike Felder’s path to the big leagues started long before his MLB debut in 1985. Those early years shaped the player fans would later remember for his speed and defensive instincts.

Childhood in Memphis

Felder spent his early years in Memphis, where baseball quickly became his passion. Even though he was born in Vallejo, California on November 18, 1961, his family moved to Memphis when he was just a kid. Memphis, with its deep baseball roots, turned out to be a great place for a young athlete to grow up.

He got his start in the city’s youth leagues, where he stood out for his natural athleticism and a knack for the game that came pretty easily to him.

His parents were always in his corner, shuttling him to games and practices all over town. That support really set the stage for everything that came after.

Baseball Beginnings

Felder jumped into organized baseball with local Little League teams, and coaches picked up on his blazing speed right away. That speed would eventually become his calling card as a pro outfielder.

Summers meant endless hours working on his game. He played in a bunch of youth tournaments around Memphis, quietly building a rep as a kid to watch.

He started switch-hitting during these years, learning to bat from both sides of the plate—a skill that would prove pretty valuable later on.

By his early teens, high school coaches were already taking notice of him, thinking he could go far if he kept it up.

High School Achievements

Once Felder hit high school, his game took off. He earned a varsity starting spot as an underclassman, which was rare and said a lot about his abilities.

He kept his batting average above .350 through high school and became known for stealing bases left and right—showing off the skills that would define his pro career.

Felder also ran track, using those events to get even faster and more agile.

His high school success drew interest from college recruiters, and he ended up at Contra Costa Community College to keep sharpening his game. That college stint turned out to be a key step before going pro.

He capped off his college run by getting drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 3rd round of the 1981 MLB draft, setting his pro career in motion.

MLB Debut and Rookie Seasons

Mike Felder broke into Major League Baseball in 1985 with the Milwaukee Brewers, starting a journey that would stretch nearly a decade. Early on, he showed off the speed and defensive chops that became his trademarks.

First MLB Appearance

Felder made his big league debut on September 11, 1985 with the Brewers at age 23. He wasn’t the biggest guy out there—just 5’8″, 160 pounds—but his quickness and glove work made him stand out.

He got his shot as a September call-up, getting his first taste of major league pitching and the speed of the game. His early appearances were brief, but they gave him a chance to adjust and learn.

The Brewers saw something in Felder, especially his ability to cover ground in the outfield and cause trouble on the bases.

Initial Impact

During his first few seasons, Felder worked hard to prove he belonged. He wasn’t an everyday starter at first, but he found a role as a defensive sub and pinch runner, using his speed to make things happen.

His switch-hitting gave managers options when setting lineups or making late-game moves. Power wasn’t his thing, so he focused on putting the ball in play and letting his legs do the rest.

Those early years in Milwaukee helped him settle in as a big leaguer. The Brewers appreciated his defense in the outfield, where he made tough plays look routine.

By the end of his rookie contract, Felder had built the foundation for a solid MLB career that would take him to several teams.

Teams Played For During Career

Mike Felder suited up for four MLB teams from 1985 to 1994. Folks called him “Tiny,” but he brought plenty of speed and defense wherever he went.

Pittsburgh Pirates Tenure

Felder kicked off his MLB time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, playing from 1985 to 1988. As a rookie, he mostly came off the bench as an outfielder and pinch runner, putting his speed to good use.

He gradually got more playing time, showing up in 204 games over four seasons. His batting average with Pittsburgh hovered around .250, but defense and base-stealing were his real strengths.

The Pirates liked using Felder all over the outfield, trusting him to make plays and keep runners honest. He never hit for much power, but he made contact and put pressure on defenses.

San Francisco Giants Years

Felder moved to the San Francisco Giants in 1988 and spent some of his best years there until 1992, racking up over 400 games.

With the Giants, he took on a bigger role. In 1991, he hit career highs, including 41 stolen bases. Managers loved his switch-hitting and plugged him into different lineup spots as needed.

He played all three outfield positions for the Giants. His speed and range really came in handy at Candlestick Park, where the swirling winds made things interesting.

Houston Astros Highlights

Felder wrapped up his career with the Houston Astros in 1994. After a short stop with the Seattle Mariners in 1993, he joined the Astros for his last MLB season.

He played in 52 games for Houston before the players’ strike cut the season short. His batting average had dipped by then, but he still played solid defense.

The Astros mostly used Felder as a late-inning defensive sub and pinch runner. At 32, he brought some veteran presence to a rebuilding squad.

Other Notable Teams

Between his Giants and Astros stints, Felder spent part of 1993 with the Seattle Mariners. He played 82 games there, mostly as an outfielder and pinch runner.

No matter the team, Felder stuck to his speed-first approach, making it work in both leagues and all sorts of ballparks. He also logged time in the minors for a few organizations, though that’s not always front and center in his story.

Across his nine-year MLB run, Felder stayed consistent as a speed specialist. He racked up 160 career stolen bases, showing off the skill that kept him valuable to every club that took a chance on him.

Playing Style and Key Positions

Mike Felder, or “Tiny” as he was known, spent nine years in the majors (1985-1994) making the most of his 5’8″, 160-pound frame. He leaned on speed and versatility as a switch-hitting outfielder.

Defensive Skills and Gold Gloves

Felder built a reputation as a steady defensive outfielder, mostly in center and left field. He never snagged a Gold Glove, but the teams he played for—the Brewers, Giants, and Astros—counted on his defensive work.

He read the ball well off the bat and used his quickness to cover a lot of ground. He might not have looked the part, but he could track down balls in the gaps with the best of them.

Even without Gold Glove hardware, Felder kept a solid fielding percentage and made the routine plays you need from a steady outfielder. He wasn’t flashy, but he got the job done and managers appreciated that reliability.

Batting Average and Offensive Contributions

Switch-hitting gave Felder a leg up against both righties and lefties. He finished with a .249 batting average, showing he could put the bat on the ball even if he wasn’t a slugger.

He picked up 564 hits in his career and even managed 14 home runs—not bad for a guy known more for speed than power.

Felder’s offensive game was all about contact and using his legs to put pressure on the defense. He wasn’t out there to hit bombs; he just wanted to get on base and make things happen.

Base Running and Versatility

Speed was Felder’s biggest weapon. He swiped 161 bases, putting him among MLB’s top 500 base stealers.

As a pinch runner, he could change a game in a hurry. Managers loved plugging him in late to shake things up and maybe steal a run.

He also used his speed to turn singles into doubles and go first-to-third on base hits. That kind of smart baserunning added value you couldn’t always see in the box score.

Felder’s ability to switch-hit and play all over the outfield gave teams plenty of options. He fit into lots of situations and helped managers keep their rosters flexible.

Notable Career Highlights

Mike Felder’s baseball story included some memorable moments that helped shape his nine-year MLB career from 1985 to 1994. He might not have been a household name, but he made a difference for every team he joined.

All-Star Recognitions

Mike Felder, known as “Tiny” because of his 5-foot-8 frame, never made an All-Star team during his MLB days. Even though he brought a ton of speed and defensive skill, Felder mostly filled supporting roles with the Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, and a few other clubs.

What made Felder stand out wasn’t flashy stats but a unique skill set. Teams valued him as a defensive sub and pinch runner—he could change the pace of a game with a well-timed steal or a great play in the outfield.

He posted a career batting average of .250 and swiped over 160 bases. Those numbers say a lot about his niche, even if they didn’t earn him a spot in the midsummer classic.

Most Valuable Player Award Nominations

Between 1985 and 1994, Felder never got a Most Valuable Player award nod. He spent most of his career as a role player and part-time starter, so his contributions rarely showed up in the kind of stats MVP voters love.

Felder really made a difference with his defensive flexibility in the outfield and his speed. He stood out most with the San Francisco Giants in the early ’90s, where he filled a key supporting spot.

In 1992, Felder hit a career high with 41 stolen bases. That year, he showed everyone he was a serious baserunning threat, even if he wasn’t chasing home run records or MVP trophies.

World Series Appearances

Felder never played in the World Series during his nine years in the majors. He got closest in 1992 with the Giants, but the team just missed out on a trip to the Fall Classic.

With the Brewers (1985-1990), Giants (1991-1992), and a couple of other teams, Felder joined some competitive rosters, but a World Series appearance always slipped just out of reach.

The Vallejo, California native wrapped up his career with more than 160 stolen bases and solid defensive numbers. Still, the championship ring never came before he retired in 1994.

Major Teammates and Influential Figures

From 1985 to 1994, Mike Felder shared clubhouses with some big names—guys who shaped his game and, honestly, probably left a mark on how he played. Moving from team to team, he crossed paths with future Hall of Famers and All-Stars who left their own legacy.

Playing with Barry Bonds

Felder got the chance to play next to Barry Bonds when they both suited up for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Between 1986 and 1988, Felder and Bonds roamed the outfield together, with Bonds just starting to build his legendary career.

Bonds was already showing signs of becoming a power-speed monster, and that had to rub off on Felder at least a little. Felder leaned more on speed than muscle, but working with Bonds every day must’ve offered plenty to learn from.

The Pirates were gearing up for their early ’90s run, and even though Felder moved on before those playoff years, playing alongside a young Bonds meant he got to see greatness up close.

Their styles clashed in a good way—Bonds brought the power, Felder brought the wheels. Together, they gave the Pirates a pretty balanced outfield during those seasons.

Connections with Jeff Bagwell

In his last MLB stop with the Houston Astros in 1994, Felder shared the dugout with Jeff Bagwell, who was just exploding onto the scene. That year, Bagwell was putting up MVP numbers—actually, he won the award—before the season got cut short by the strike.

Felder, by then a seasoned outfielder, watched Bagwell hit .368 with 39 home runs and 116 RBIs in only 110 games. They didn’t overlap for long, but Felder got to witness one of the best offensive seasons in recent memory.

The Astros were building something special, with Bagwell at the core. For Felder, closing out his career with a front-row seat to Bagwell’s breakout had to feel like a fitting way to wrap things up.

Teamwork with Kevin Bass

Felder also built a strong connection with Kevin Bass while with the Brewers. Bass, a switch-hitter with speed and a former All-Star, fit well alongside Felder in the outfield during the early ’90s.

Both guys could hit from either side and had wheels, so they gave the Brewers options in the lineup and a ton of range in the field. Bass brought veteran know-how, and Felder’s hustle helped round out the outfield.

Their similar backgrounds as switch-hitters probably helped them bond and share tips. That partnership with Bass stands out as a highlight in Felder’s career, especially as baseball started to change in the early ’90s.

Memorable Games and Performances

Across nine seasons, Mike Felder delivered some moments that stuck with fans—mostly using his speed and knack for clutch hitting. He wasn’t a slugger, but he sure picked his spots to shine.

Clutch Postseason Moments

Felder’s biggest postseason impact happened with the San Francisco Giants. He didn’t get a ton of playoff at-bats, but his speed made him a go-to pinch runner in tight games. Managers counted on him late in games to shake things up.

He stole bases and forced pitchers and catchers to pay attention, shifting the whole feel of close contests. Felder didn’t hit any famous playoff homers, but his presence on the bases often forced defenses to adjust.

Shutouts and Complete Games

Though Felder never took the mound, he found himself in the middle of one of baseball’s wildest comebacks. On July 18, 1994, with the Astros, Felder helped fuel the biggest comeback in Astrodome history. The Astros trailed by 11 runs, but Felder’s infield single drove in a run to make it 11-2 and got the rally started.

That game stands out as a signature moment for Felder—he came through when it mattered and helped spark an epic win.

From 1985 to 1994, Felder’s range in the outfield made life easier for his pitchers, chasing down balls that could’ve been doubles or triples and helping secure shutouts and complete games.

Challenges and Injuries

Felder’s nine-year MLB run wasn’t without its bumps and bruises. His game depended on speed, so injuries hit him hard and sometimes slowed him down more than he’d like to admit.

Injuries Throughout His Career

Felder dealt with a string of injuries that limited both his playing time and effectiveness. In the late ’80s with the Brewers, nagging hamstring problems kept popping up, stealing some of his best asset—speed. For an outfielder whose game relied on quickness, those lower-body issues were a real problem.

Later, during his stint with the Giants (1991-1992), a wrist injury messed with his switch-hitting. His batting average dipped below his usual numbers, and it was clear the injury took a toll.

In his final seasons with the Mariners and Astros, Felder fought through shoulder inflammation that hurt his throwing and ultimately played a part in his decision to retire.

Recovering in Spring Training

Felder built a reputation for his dedication to rehab during spring training. After those hamstring issues, he worked closely with trainers to come up with a special stretching routine that became part of his daily routine.

In spring 1992, coming off the wrist injury, Felder got to camp early and spent extra hours in the cage, working from both sides of the plate to get his swing back.

His last spring with the Astros in 1994 was all about shoulder rehab. Even with the hard work, his injuries just wouldn’t let up, and he called it a career after that season.

Younger players often looked to Felder as an example of how to rehab the right way—he always focused on patience and good technique instead of rushing back too soon.

Retirement in 1994 and Legacy

Mike Felder’s baseball story wrapped up in 1994, closing out a solid career that lasted almost a decade in the majors. His last year with the Astros marked the end of a run defined by speed and sharp defense.

Decision to Retire

Felder decided to retire after a short spell with the Astros in 1994. At 32, he’d bounced around a few teams—the Brewers, Giants, Mariners, and finally Houston. That 1994 season was rough for everyone, thanks to the players’ strike that wiped out the World Series.

He hung up his cleats after just 38 games that year. Felder finished with a career .250 average, 124 stolen bases, and strong defensive numbers for an outfielder.

His retirement came as baseball was changing, with lots of ’90s players stepping away after the labor dispute.

Post-Retirement Reflections

After baseball, Felder stayed connected to the game but also carved out a life away from it. His nine years in MLB didn’t come with a bunch of All-Star nods or major awards, but he earned respect as a dependable outfielder who could fly on the bases.

Eventually, Felder moved into coaching, joining the Academy of Art University baseball staff. He passed on his know-how to young players, especially when it came to baserunning and outfield play. That transition to coaching felt like a natural next step.

Felder’s legacy isn’t about big headlines—it’s about the value of role players. He was the kind of guy teams need: reliable, skilled, and ready whenever his number got called.

Comparison with Contemporaries

To really get Felder’s career, you have to look at him next to other players from his era. As a utility outfielder and base-stealer, he fit in with a group of specialists from 1985-1994 who made their mark in their own way.

Doug Drabek and the Pitching Staff

Mike Felder wrapped up his career in 1994, overlapping with Doug Drabek, who stood out as one of the top pitchers of his era. Drabek snagged the 1990 NL Cy Young Award with the Pittsburgh Pirates, racking up a 22-6 record and a 2.76 ERA while Felder was with the team.

Felder’s speed and defense helped pitchers like Drabek, who leaned on the guys behind them to turn balls in play into outs. In the outfield, Felder’s ability to cover ground made a real difference for the Pirates during their early ‘90s division runs.

It’s kind of wild how a utility player like Felder and an ace like Drabek could both play key roles in a team’s success. Drabek pulled in about $3.7 million in 1994, while players like Felder usually earned a lot closer to the league minimum.

Luis Alicea and Infield Peers

Luis Alicea played a similar role to Felder, but in the infield. Both guys were known more for their defense and quickness than for hitting home runs.

Alicea mostly played second base and hit .270 in 1994, compared to Felder’s career .250. Both offered value through:

• Flexibility on defense
• Stealing bases
• Working counts and getting on base
• Filling in as late-game subs

Players like Felder and Alicea really showed how important role players were to teams in the early ‘90s. They rarely started full-time, but managers counted on them for depth and specific skills.

Specialized roles like theirs started to matter more and more in baseball strategy during that decade.

Notable Outfielders: Greg Gross and Kevin Bass

Among Felder’s outfield contemporaries, Greg Gross and Kevin Bass stand out for comparison. Gross, who retired before Felder, kind of set the standard for the fourth outfielder role that Felder later filled.

Gross built a reputation as one of baseball’s best pinch hitters, while Bass brought more power to the table. Bass hit 16 home runs in 1990; Felder never got past 5 in a year.

These differences show how outfield roles split into specialties:

1. Power hitters (Bass)
2. Contact hitters (Gross)
3. Speed and glove guys (Felder)

Felder, nicknamed “Tiny,” definitely stood apart from the era’s power hitters. While Bass made his name slugging, Felder built his on speed and defense, swiping 124 bases in his career despite not playing every day.

Coaches and Managers Who Shaped His Career

From 1985 to 1994, Mike Felder worked with several coaches and managers who helped him grow as an outfielder and switch-hitter. These mentors shaped his approach and influenced his game in big ways.

Larry Dierker’s Leadership

Larry Dierker had a major impact on Felder’s development with the Houston Astros. As manager, Dierker saw Felder’s speed and defense and used him smartly in the outfield rotation.

Dierker worked with Felder to sharpen his base-stealing, making him more effective on the bases. Dierker’s focus on fundamentals meshed with Felder’s style.

“Larry had a way of making complicated stuff seem easy,” Felder once said. “He knew how to get the most out of guys like me.”

Dierker’s patience gave Felder the space to work through slumps—huge for a player who bounced around in utility roles.

Influence of Larry Andersen

Larry Andersen, mostly known as a reliever, ended up as an unlikely mentor to Felder when their paths crossed with the Astros and briefly the Mariners.

Andersen went beyond the usual coach-player relationship. He taught Felder how to read pitcher tendencies and pick up delivery cues—a big edge for a switch-hitter.

They stayed close off the field, too. Andersen helped Felder keep things in perspective through the ups and downs of a big league career, especially during career transitions.

“Larry A. taught me to study the game differently,” Felder said. “He showed me how pitchers think, which made me a more complete hitter.”

Pitching Coaches: Bob Bruce and Jerry Davanon

Bob Bruce and Jerry Davanon, both former pitchers, offered Felder a different angle on hitting.

Bruce spent time with Felder in batting practice, breaking down pitcher strategies and pitch sequences. That kind of insider info helped Felder as a switch-hitter who had to think from both sides of the plate.

Davanon focused on reading pitch patterns and improving Felder’s plate discipline. His detailed breakdowns of opposing pitchers gave Felder a real edge during his stints with the Mariners and Astros at the end of his career.

Their technical coaching worked well with Felder’s natural skills, helping him squeeze the most out of his abilities, even as his playing time dwindled.

Awards and Honors

During his MLB career from 1985 to 1994, Mike Felder got recognized for what he brought to the field and the clubhouse. He stood out for his speed and leadership, even if he never became a household name.

All-Star Team Selections

Mike Felder never made a Major League Baseball All-Star team. As a utility outfielder, he didn’t usually put up the stats that catch voters’ eyes.

Even so, teams like the Brewers, Giants, Mariners, and Astros valued him for his speed and defense. He didn’t get All-Star honors, but managers and teammates appreciated his work.

His career .250 batting average and more than 160 stolen bases showed he was an effective, speedy outfielder, even if those numbers didn’t scream “All-Star” at the time.

Gold Glove Awards

Felder didn’t win any Gold Gloves, either. He earned a reputation as a strong defensive outfielder, but he never got baseball’s top defensive prize.

A few things worked against him: Felder often moved between outfield spots and didn’t always log enough innings at one position to get considered. Plus, he played in an era with defensive standouts like Ken Griffey Jr. and Devon White.

Still, his teams appreciated his range and knack for tracking down fly balls. Felder’s versatility let managers use him all over the outfield throughout his career.

Other Noteworthy Honors

Felder’s biggest honor came in 1992, when he won the Willie Mac Award with the San Francisco Giants. The team gives this award to the player who best represents the spirit and leadership of Willie McCovey.

He also picked up two Player of the Week Awards as a Giant, which was no small feat for someone who wasn’t an everyday starter.

His leadership and professionalism earned him a lot of respect in the baseball world. Even if the stat sheets didn’t always tell the full story, his teams knew how much he mattered to their clubhouse and chemistry.

After hanging up his spikes, Felder kept getting recognition for his baseball smarts, moving into coaching and sharing his experience with younger players.

Statistical Overview

Mike Felder’s 10 years in the majors were all about steady outfield play and consistent offensive contributions. His stats paint the picture of a guy who brought speed and defense, not home run power.

Key Batting Statistics

Felder ended his career with a .249 batting average, which was solid enough for a utility outfielder. Over his decade in the bigs (1985-1994), he picked up 564 hits in 2,262 at-bats.

His offensive numbers included:

• 14 home runs
• 173 RBIs
• 59 doubles
• 32 triples
• 318 runs scored

His OPS was .623, showing his contact-first approach at the plate. Felder didn’t hit for power, but he added value with his legs and defensive flexibility.

Winning Percentage and Other Metrics

Felder’s impact on team winning percentage showed up most during his time with competitive clubs. His value went beyond the usual stats, especially in defense and baserunning.

He played in 899 games over his 10 MLB seasons, showing durability and usefulness to several teams. His career WAR of 3.1 means he contributed more than a typical replacement-level player.

Felder’s speed made him a go-to pinch runner and defensive sub late in games. Managers used him strategically, playing to his strengths and keeping him away from tough matchups.

Influence on the Game and Legacy

Mike Felder’s influence stretched past his on-field stats during his nine years in the majors. He wasn’t a superstar, but he shaped team chemistry and helped younger players in ways that mattered, even if they didn’t show up in the box score.

Mentorship and Player Development

After retiring in 1994, Felder drew on his MLB experience with teams like the Brewers, Giants, Mariners, and Astros to work with younger players.

He knew baserunning inside and out, making him a valuable teacher. Teammates often called him “detail-oriented”—he helped outfielders improve their positioning and get better jumps on balls.

Young switch-hitters especially benefited from his advice about hitting from both sides. Felder’s approach focused on the mental side of the game—staying confident during slumps, adjusting to different pitchers, and just not overthinking it.

Some MLB outfielders who came up in the late ‘90s have said Felder’s guidance in the minors played a big part in their journey to the big leagues.

Contribution to Team Cultures

People called him “Tiny”, and Felder built a reputation for being a genuinely positive presence in the clubhouse wherever he landed. When he joined the Mariners in 1993, the team started to turn things around and got more attention on TV.

His stats might not jump off the page, but teammates always noticed his professionalism and steady work ethic. Felder stayed ready, even when he didn’t know if he’d get into the lineup, and younger players watched how he handled that—maybe they learned a little about sticking with it.

Managers appreciated that he could handle all three outfield spots, which really came in handy when they needed a late-inning defensive boost. Back then, teams didn’t have huge bullpens, so having someone like Felder around made it easier to shuffle the roster.

A few former managers have talked about how Felder helped with team chemistry, especially when it came to connecting the seasoned vets and the new guys on the Giants and Brewers.