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

Mike Hershberger made his mark over 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, playing outfield from 1961 to 1971. Born Norman Michael Hershberger in Massillon, Ohio, he became a steady presence in the corners, holding down starting jobs for seven straight years at the height of his career.

He retired from professional baseball in 1971 after his second stint with the Chicago White Sox. That was the same team where he’d kicked off his major league journey a decade earlier.

His career took him through three different organizations. He spent time with the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers, piling up a .252 batting average, 26 home runs, and 344 RBIs in 1,150 games.

The journey from high school standout in Ohio to the big leagues shows a player who squeezed the most out of his abilities during baseball’s expansion era. His story includes big trades, memorable teammates, and all the challenges that come with bouncing between teams and cities.

Early Life And Education

Norman Michael Hershberger was born on October 9, 1939, in Massillon, Ohio. There, he grew into a standout two-sport athlete.

His athletic path started with high school stardom and led to a football scholarship at the University of Cincinnati. Eventually, he picked professional baseball instead.

Family Background And Massillon Roots

Norman Michael Hershberger arrived in Massillon, Ohio, on October 9, 1939. That industrial city in Stark County shaped his early years and athletic growth.

Massillon has produced its share of major league talent. Hershberger joined a select group of locals who reached pro baseball’s highest level.

Tommy Heinrich and Joe Sparma were among the Massillon products who found success in the majors.

The community really took pride in its sports legacy. When longtime resident David Schultz moved to Massillon years later, he immediately recognized two names from the city’s baseball past. “Being a baseball fan, the first names that clicked when I moved to Massillon were Tommy Heinrich and Mike Hershberger,” Schultz said.

Growing up in this sports-crazy environment gave Hershberger strong local support. His childhood friend Tom Meldrum played on a lot of the same teams as a kid.

That early foundation in organized baseball would end up being crucial to his future.

High School Achievements

Hershberger graduated from Massillon High School in 1957. He stood out as a two-sport athlete for the Tigers, playing both baseball and football at the varsity level.

People around the Canton Class A league took notice of his talent. Central Catholic baseball coach Doug Miller, who saw Hershberger play more than a few times, remembered his skills. “The first thing I remember is that he was an excellent outfielder,” Miller said. “He was known for his arm.”

His reputation wasn’t just about defense. Miller also called him “a clutch hitter, a good contact hitter and he was a tough out.” That made him a real threat in the local baseball scene.

He didn’t just rack up individual stats. Lifelong friend Bob Getz, also his teammate at Massillon, remembered winning a state championship with Hershberger in Little League. That early taste of winning fueled his drive as his career moved forward.

Football Scholarship At University of Cincinnati

After high school, Hershberger took a football scholarship to the University of Cincinnati. He joined the Bearcats as a tailback, showing off his athletic versatility.

He spent one season with Cincinnati’s football program in 1958. Coaches expected him to be the starting tailback as a sophomore.

But even with a promising football future, he decided to chase professional baseball instead. He signed as an amateur free agent with the Chicago White Sox, leaving college football behind.

That decision would turn out to be a major turning point, launching his 11-season run in Major League Baseball.

Switching from college football to pro baseball took guts. Hershberger gave up a guaranteed starting spot and a scholarship to chase his baseball dream.

His confidence in his baseball skills paid off quickly in the minors.

Path To The Major Leagues

Mike Hershberger started his path to the majors with a football scholarship at the University of Cincinnati, then pivoted to pro baseball. He worked his way up through the minors, really breaking out with the San Diego Padres in 1961 before making his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox that same year.

Minor League Development

Hershberger began at the University of Cincinnati on a football scholarship. He played one year as a tailback, then decided to go pro in baseball.

The Chicago White Sox signed him as an amateur free agent. That move kicked off his professional baseball career and ended his football days.

Switching from college football to pro baseball showed just how versatile he was. The White Sox saw his potential as an outfielder and brought him into their farm system.

San Diego And Triple-A Success

In 1961, Hershberger played for the Pacific Coast League’s San Diego Padres. That season was a big step in his development.

He hit .310 with San Diego during that year. That batting average showed he was ready for major league pitching.

The Pacific Coast League was Triple-A ball, the top level of the minors. His numbers there proved he could hang with the best minor league talent.

He played so well in San Diego that the White Sox called him up to the majors later that same year.

Major League Debut And First Hit

Hershberger made his major league debut on September 5, 1961, with the Chicago White Sox. He was just 21 when he reached the big leagues.

He picked up his first major league hit against the Minnesota Twins, singling off pitcher Jack Kralick. That was a huge milestone.

That hit started what would become an 11-season MLB career. His debut capped off his journey from college football player to big league outfielder.

The White Sox called him up in September when rosters expanded, giving him a shot to show what he could do. The organization’s faith in him after his strong showing in San Diego turned out to be well-placed.

Career With Chicago White Sox

Mike Hershberger spent five seasons with the Chicago White Sox over two stints, starting his MLB career there in 1961 and returning for his final season in 1971. His time in Chicago showed off his steady glove in the outfield and reliable offense, especially from 1962 to 1964.

Rookie Seasons And Role

Hershberger broke into the majors with the White Sox on September 5, 1961, at 21. His first season was short, just 15 games and 58 plate appearances.

The young outfielder from Massillon, Ohio, hit .309 in that limited time. He notched 17 hits in 55 at-bats with 5 RBIs and played all over the outfield.

In 1962, Hershberger became a regular starter. He appeared in 148 games, mainly in right and center field.

He put up a .262 average over 474 plate appearances in his rookie campaign. Moving from part-timer to everyday starter, he settled right into Chicago’s outfield rotation.

Defensive Excellence And Outfield Assists

Hershberger’s defense was a real asset for the White Sox. In 1961, he put up a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in 13 outfield games, handling 31 chances without a single error.

He had great range and a strong arm, making him valuable in center and right. In 1962, he played 135 games in the outfield, racking up 236 putouts and 7 assists.

The numbers back up his reliability in Chicago’s outfield. In 1961, he played strong defense in center, notching 23 putouts and 2 assists in just 9 games.

Being able to play multiple spots gave manager Al Lopez some nice flexibility. Hershberger’s defense helped steady the outfield during the early ‘60s.

Top Offensive Seasons

Hershberger’s best offensive year with the White Sox was 1963. He hit .279 with 133 hits in 476 at-bats, adding 26 doubles and 45 RBIs in 135 games.

That season, he scored 64 runs and posted a .338 on-base percentage. He also stole 9 bases and drew 39 walks, showing good discipline at the plate.

During his first four years in Chicago (1961-1964), Hershberger collected 478 hits in 1,568 at-bats. His steady production helped keep the White Sox in the mix in the American League.

When he returned to the White Sox in 1971 for his last season, Hershberger hit .260 in 74 games. He brought a veteran presence and a .377 on-base percentage, giving Chicago’s outfield some experienced depth during his final campaign.

Key Trades And Time With Athletics

Hershberger’s career took a turn in 1965 when he got dealt in a big three-team trade involving stars like Tommy John and Rocky Colavito. He spent five seasons with the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics, and those years were some of his most productive as a pro.

Three-Team Trade Details

The trade that sent Hershberger to Kansas City in 1965 was one of the more complicated deals of the time. The three-team trade involved the White Sox, Kansas City Athletics, and Cleveland Indians.

Several key players switched teams. Tommy John and Tommie Agee went from Cleveland to Chicago, while Rocky Colavito moved from the Athletics to Cleveland. Hershberger landed with Kansas City, along with other players.

Fred Talbot joined the trade on February 10, 1965, when the White Sox sent him to complete the deal. That trade really shook up all three teams’ rosters.

It showed how teams were willing to make bold moves to shake up their lineups. For Hershberger, it meant a fresh start with a new club.

Kansas City Athletics Years

Hershberger joined the Kansas City Athletics in 1965 and quickly became a regular starter. He played four seasons with the franchise from 1965 to 1968.

Those were his best years. He established himself as a reliable outfielder with solid defense. The Athletics gave him steady playing time that he didn’t always get in Chicago.

Kansas City was rebuilding then, working with a lot of young players. Hershberger brought some veteran leadership to the clubhouse.

The Athletics focused on player development during that era. They helped Hershberger round out his game and become a more complete player.

Transition To Oakland And New Teammates

The Athletics moved to Oakland in 1969, and Hershberger went with them. He played his last season with the franchise in Oakland.

The move brought a new vibe to the team. Hershberger shared the field with future stars like Reggie Jackson and Joe Rudi—guys who’d later help Oakland win championships.

The 1969 season wrapped up Hershberger’s time with the Athletics. On January 15, 1970, Oakland traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers, along with Lew Krausse, Phil Roof, and Ken Sanders, in exchange for Ron Clark and Don Mincher.

He left just as the Athletics were building toward their championship years. The trade let Oakland bring in players who fit their long-term plans.

Final Seasons: Milwaukee Brewers And White Sox Return

Hershberger finished his career with a move to Milwaukee in 1970 and a final return to Chicago in 1971. The Milwaukee Brewers were his fourth big league team, and his White Sox comeback marked the end of an 11-season run.

Joining The Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers picked up Hershberger for the 1970 season, making him part of the franchise’s early roster. This was another chapter in his journey after five years with the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics.

The Brewers were still finding their footing as a franchise at that point. Hershberger brought some much-needed veteran experience to a young squad.

He only spent one season in Milwaukee. At 30, he kept showing the contact hitting skills that had defined his career.

But regular playing time was tough to come by. The Brewers released him on November 10, 1970, ending his short time with the team.

1970 Season Highlights And Challenges

Hershberger spent the 1970 season with Milwaukee, which ended up being his last full year in pro baseball. At 30, he ran into the usual problems older players face in such a tough sport.

That season, he showed off the skills that had kept him around the majors for nearly ten years. He still had his reputation as a contact hitter who almost never struck out.

The Milwaukee Brewers didn’t give Hershberger as many chances as he’d gotten earlier in his career. With younger players coming up, his playing time just kept shrinking.

He got released in November 1970, which marked the end of his run with the Brewers. The team wanted to head in a new direction for the next season.

Return To Chicago White Sox And Retirement

The Chicago White Sox brought Hershberger back for the 1971 season, returning him to where he started his big league journey. This move gave him one last shot at playing pro baseball.

He played with the White Sox until September 17, when he made his final major league appearance. Coming back to his original team felt like a fitting way to wrap up his career.

Over 11 seasons, Hershberger put up steady numbers. He ended up with a .252 batting average, 26 home runs, and 344 RBIs in 1,150 games.

Even in his last season, he stuck to the contact-hitting style that defined him. Throughout his career, he struck out in less than 10% of his plate appearances.

After he retired in 1971, Hershberger moved back to his hometown area and got involved in the sporting goods business.

Career Achievements And Legacy

Mike Hershberger put together an impressive 11-year career in Major League Baseball. People recognized him as one of the best defensive outfielders of his era. His strong throwing arm and clutch hitting made him valuable to every team he played for. I mean, his leadership qualities left a real mark on his teammates and the game.

Statistical Overview

From 1961 to 1971, Hershberger posted solid offensive numbers. He finished with a .252 batting average over 1,150 games, picking up 900 hits, 26 home runs, and 344 RBIs.

His best year at the plate was in 1963, when he hit a career-high .279 and drove in 45 runs with 26 doubles. These stats showed he was a reliable contact hitter who could come through when it mattered.

Career Statistics:

• Games Played: 1,150
• At-bats: 3,572
• Hits: 900
• Runs Scored: 398
• Home Runs: 26
• RBIs: 344

Hershberger really stood out for his defense. He led the American League in outfield assists twice, with 14 in 1965 and 17 in 1967. That says a lot about his arm strength and accuracy from the outfield.

Reputation As A Competitor

Players around the American League respected Hershberger for his competitive spirit and drive to win. He played on Chicago White Sox teams that won 94 and 98 games in the 1963-64 seasons.

His fierce competitiveness went well beyond stats. Opposing players and coaches knew better than to test his arm, since he regularly threw out runners trying to take an extra base on balls hit his way.

Bob Getz, who was both a lifelong friend and former teammate, remembered watching Hershberger play in Cleveland. He said, “I recall several times, when there would be a guy on first, that he would throw them out at third on a single to right or center field.”

Getz also talked about Hershberger’s leadership: “He was a good teammate and he was a very strong competitor. He liked to win. Mike was a good leader on all those teams we played on together.”

Impact On Teammates And The Game

Between 1965 and 1969, Hershberger played with the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics. He shared the field with future Hall of Famers and All-Stars like Reggie Jackson, Joe Rudi, Catfish Hunter, Sal Bando, Rollie Fingers, and Bert Campaneris.

Those guys later became the core of Charlie Finley’s World Series championship teams from 1972 to 1974. Hershberger’s veteran presence and work ethic helped set the tone for the winning culture that stuck around after he left.

Pitchers and coaches really valued his defensive skills. Doug Miller, Central Catholic’s baseball coach, said, “The first thing I remember is that he was an excellent outfielder. He was known for his arm. It was known all over the Class A league that you didn’t want to run on Mike Hershberger.”

Miller also gave him credit at the plate: “He was a clutch hitter, a good contact hitter and he was a tough out.”

Post-Retirement Involvement And Remembrance

After he retired in 1971, Hershberger headed back to his hometown area and jumped into the sporting goods business. He kept his passion for baseball alive, often swapping stories from his playing days with fans and friends.

David Schultz, who once published The Independent, talked about Hershberger’s lasting love for baseball. “My impression of Mike is that when we talked baseball, he always had a passion for the game. I don’t think he ever lost that passion for the game.”

Hershberger stayed close to the Massillon community right up until he passed away in 2012 at age 72. Folks remembered him as one of the most successful Major League Baseball players to come from the area, right there with Tommy Heinrich and Joe Sparma.

Tom Meldrum, who grew up with him, summed up Hershberger’s character. “I remember how true he was to himself and everyone he met. He was a man’s man, a guy’s guy, and he had a faith that was unshakable. He was a great representative for Massillon.”