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

Mike Ivie’s baseball career is honestly one of the more puzzling stories in Major League Baseball history. The towering first baseman from Georgia entered pro baseball with sky-high expectations as the number one overall pick in the 1970 draft, but he retired at just 30 after an 11-season run that was filled with both promise and frustration.

Ivie played for four major league teams from 1974 to 1983, including the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, and Detroit Tigers. He retired after only 12 games with Detroit in his final season. He showed flashes of brilliance—like a career-best 27 home runs in 1979—but he never managed more than 500 at-bats in a season. His struggles started early when throwing problems as a catcher led him to refuse to play the position that made him so valuable to scouts.

Mike Ivie’s story really shows the complicated relationship between talent and opportunity in pro sports. From his early amateur days in Georgia to his battles with position changes and personal challenges, Ivie’s journey gives us a peek into the pressure on highly drafted prospects and how thin the line can be between baseball success and disappointment.

Early Life and Amateur Success

Mike Ivie’s path to becoming the number one pick in the 1970 MLB draft started in Atlanta, where his dad coached him from an early age. His talent was obvious during high school at Walker High School. He put up some eye-popping stats and collected honors that drew professional scouts from all over.

Family and Childhood in Atlanta

Michael Wilson Ivie was born on August 8, 1952, in Atlanta to William Wilson and Betty Ann (Robinson) Ivie. His dad, Bill Ivie, worked for Georgia Power Company and had played some amateur baseball himself.

Bill started coaching Mike when he was just six. He kept coaching him through the Babe Ruth Youth League and then the Connie Mack League for 17- and 18-year-olds.

At 15, Mike was already the starting catcher for the Georgia state champion Gresham Park team. That early success made it clear he was ahead of his age group.

He kept developing while playing American Legion baseball for Bob Scraggs’ Post 50 team. Those years under his dad’s guidance really shaped his game.

Professional scouts noticed him early. The New York Yankees scouted Ivie when he was just in ninth grade, which kicked off a wave of attention from pro teams.

Walker High School Athletic Achievements

Mike Ivie’s high school run at Walker High School in Atlanta put his potential—and the pressure he faced—on display. His performance shifted a lot over four years, making scouts scratch their heads sometimes.

As a sophomore, Ivie hit a strong .465 batting average. That kind of start put him on Georgia’s baseball radar.

His junior year? Even better. Ivie hit .550 for the Warhawks and showed off some jaw-dropping power.

There was a stretch that’s almost hard to believe—he reportedly hit 21 home runs in 21 straight games. One shot in Calhoun, Georgia, supposedly traveled 450 to 475 feet.

But his senior year didn’t go so smoothly. With up to 33 professional scouts showing up at his games, Ivie’s batting average dropped to .235.

“I was going to show the scouts how good I was,” Ivie later admitted about his senior slump. “I started going for the long ball [and] had a terrible year.”

High School Baseball Honors and Statistics

Even though his senior year was rough, Mike Ivie’s whole high school career still earned him plenty of recognition. Scouts kept their interest, mainly because of his skills behind the plate.

Career Batting Statistics:

• Sophomore year: .465 average
• Junior year: .550 average
• Senior year: .235 average

Scouts didn’t worry much about his senior struggles. Charlie Roberts of the Atlanta Constitution wrote that Ivie was prized for “his catching ability and strong throwing arm.”

Just eight days after the Padres drafted him first overall on June 4, 1970, Ivie picked up another big honor. He was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ national high school team.

That recognition came despite his senior batting average, showing scouts and experts looked past the numbers. They saw his tools and potential as a catcher.

The Yankees’ early interest in him in ninth grade had grown into league-wide attention by his senior year. His biggest high school thrill? When the Yankees asked him to fill out their info card—he said it almost felt like he’d already been signed.

Draft Day and Entry into Professional Baseball

Mike Ivie’s jump to pro baseball came with massive expectations as the first overall pick in the 1970 MLB draft. The San Diego Padres wasted no time, signing the teenage catcher from Georgia to a $75,000 contract just days after the draft.

Number One Overall Selection in 1970

The San Diego Padres grabbed Mike Ivie with the first overall pick of the 1970 MLB Amateur Draft. At 17, Ivie became the top pick, even after a disappointing senior season at Walker High in Atlanta.

His high school career was a mix of promise and question marks. As a junior, Ivie hit .550 with crazy power, reportedly smashing 21 home runs in 21 straight games—including one bomb in Calhoun, Georgia, that went 450-475 feet.

But his senior year was tough. With up to 33 scouts at his games, Ivie pressed too hard for home runs and his average dropped to .235.

The Padres stuck with their evaluation. They valued Ivie for his catching ability and strong arm more than his bat. Scouts compared his defensive potential to Johnny Bench, which is saying something.

Signing with the San Diego Padres

Leon Hamilton, the Padres’ scout, signed Ivie to his first contract on June 7, 1970. That was just three days after the draft, so it’s clear the team wanted him badly.

The contract? Worth $75,000. That was a big investment for the Padres organization at the time, and it showed they believed Ivie could become their franchise catcher.

Manager Preston Gomez tried to set realistic expectations. “He needs to learn how to throw,” Gomez said. “Let’s let him catch for two or three years and then we’ll see.”

Just eight days after signing, Ivie landed on the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ national high school team. That honor made the Padres’ decision look pretty good.

Signing quickly let Ivie start his pro career right away. The Padres sent him to the Tri-City Padres in the Northwest League to kick things off.

Minor League Development in Tri-City and Alexandria

Ivie debuted with the Class A Tri-City Padres in Kennewick, Washington. Only a month after signing, he hit his first pro home run in the fifth inning against the Bend Rainbows.

He earned a spot in the Northwest League All-Star game, and that early performance gave a glimpse of his potential.

In 1971, Ivie broke through with the Lodi Padres in the California League. He put up 112 hits, 15 home runs, and a .305 average in 102 games.

His defense behind the plate improved a lot. Ivie was named the California League’s Most Improved Player and Best Defensive Catcher. Those awards got him picked for the Topps National Class A All Star Team.

That strong minor league run earned Ivie a September call-up to the majors. In just six games, he reached base 10 times in 19 plate appearances—a sign he was ready for the next step.

Major League Career Highlights

Mike Ivie’s MLB career lasted from 1971 to 1983. He had moments of brilliance, but also constant struggles with position changes. He did his best work with the San Francisco Giants, where he hit his career-high home run total. His early years with San Diego, though, were all about his refusal to catch—even though that’s why he was drafted.

San Diego Padres: Rise and Challenges

Ivie debuted in the majors on September 4, 1971, at age 19 with the San Diego Padres. In his first six games, he reached base 10 times in just 19 plate appearances.

He ran into trouble in spring training 1972, developing throwing problems that made even routine tosses tough. He walked out of camp on February 29, 1972, and that was the start of his move away from catching.

After returning, Ivie became the Padres’ main first baseman in 1976. He led the team with a .291 average and drove in 70 runs. He even picked up National League Player of the Week for the week ending August 29.

But his relationship with management could get rocky. On May 2, 1977, he refused to play third base against the Phillies, saying he couldn’t hit when playing there. Manager John McNamara suspended him and fined him $400.

Even with those conflicts, Ivie flashed his potential in San Diego, which set him up for his best seasons later.

San Francisco Giants: Breakout Years

The trade to the San Francisco Giants really changed things for Ivie. His best season came in 1979, when he hit a career-high 27 home runs at Candlestick Park.

The Giants gave him more stability at first base. He became a steady power bat in their lineup, though he never matched that 1979 total again. Still, his time in San Francisco was the high point of his offensive career.

During those years, Ivie showed why he’d been a number one pick. He earned a reputation for driving in runs when it mattered, though he sometimes struggled with consistency.

The Giants years proved that Ivie could shine when he focused on hitting instead of switching positions. His success there made him a target for teams looking for veteran power.

Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers: Final Seasons

Ivie finished his MLB career with the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers as his playing days wound down. His last game came on May 7, 1983, against the California Angels, where he went 0-for-4.

Houston mainly used Ivie as a first baseman and designated hitter. His power faded as he got into his 30s, but he still filled a role as a veteran bat.

The Detroit Tigers were his last stop in pro baseball. Manager Sparky Anderson rarely used Ivie, and his reluctance to play different positions hurt his value.

He wrapped up his career with a .269 batting average, 81 home runs, and 411 RBIs in 857 games. Those numbers show both his natural talent and the challenges he faced along the way.

Position Changes and Notable Teammates

Mike Ivie’s career really hinged on his dramatic switch from catcher to first baseman after throwing problems derailed his original path. He crossed paths with several Hall of Famers who influenced him, and later tried adapting to the American League’s designated hitter role.

From Catcher to First Baseman

Ivie started as a catcher in 1970 and looked promising behind the plate. He caught in the minors and even made his MLB debut at that position.

But in spring training 1972, Ivie developed serious throwing problems. He struggled with routine tosses back to the pitcher and ended up with the “yips.” That made basic catching duties almost impossible.

The Padres had to move him to first base. Team president Buzzie Bavasi didn’t like the idea at first, since they’d paid Ivie $75,000 for his catching.

Position Timeline:

• 1970-1971: Primary catcher in minor leagues
• 1972: Developed throwing problems, quit spring training
• 1973-1983: Played mostly first base, sometimes third base

Ivie caught only three games in his MLB career, all with San Diego in 1975 and 1976 as an emergency fill-in.

Influence of Johnny Bench and Willie McCovey

People compared Ivie to Johnny Bench early on, especially as a catching prospect. But his career ended up moving in a different direction. That comparison really shows just how high the expectations were for him as the first overall pick in 1970.

Willie McCovey actually influenced Ivie’s career path even more. When Ivie joined the Padres full-time in 1975, he split first base duties with McCovey, who was nearing the end of his career.

McCovey, at 37, struggled with knee problems. Ivie played 78 games at first base, and McCovey’s time on the field dropped off.

The veteran McCovey mentored Ivie during his switch to first base. Ivie got to learn the position from a Hall of Famer, which must’ve been pretty special.

Notable Teammates Through Trades:

• Derrel Thomas: Traded to Giants for Ivie in 1978
• Dave Bergman and Jeffrey Leonard: Traded from Giants for Ivie in 1981

Role as Designated Hitter

When Ivie moved to the American League with Detroit in 1982, he took on the designated hitter role. That fit his offensive strengths and took away the defensive worries.

With the Tigers, Ivie mostly came off the bench or served as a DH. He could just focus on hitting and didn’t have to stress about fielding.

His teammates in Detroit included veterans like Enos Cabell and Frank Robinson, who coached at the time. Robinson brought even more veteran leadership to the clubhouse during Ivie’s last seasons.

The designated hitter job became the last stop in Ivie’s position changes. It let the team use his power bat while working around his defense.

Detroit released Ivie during the 1983 season. That move ended his 13-year professional career.

Significant Career Moments and Achievements

Mike Ivie’s 11-season career had some real highlights, especially for his power at the plate. He pulled off a rare pinch-hit grand slam feat and had a monster year in 1979. His best stats came with the San Francisco Giants, where he set personal records in home runs and RBIs.

Grand Slam Heroics for the Giants

In 1978, Ivie did something almost unheard of—he hit two pinch-hit grand slams in one season. Only five players in MLB history have done that.

His second pinch-hit grand slam came against Don Sutton and the Dodgers. Ivie stepped up as a sub and delivered a clutch home run.

That same year, Davey Johnson of the Phillies also hit two pinch-hit grand slams. Not bad company to be in.

This rare feat really showed Ivie’s ability to come through under pressure. Coming off the bench in big moments, he showed the power that made him a number one pick.

Statistical Highlights: Home Runs, RBIs, Batting Average

Ivie’s best year at the plate came in 1979 with the Giants. He blasted a career-high 27 home runs and drove in 89 RBIs—both personal bests.

His batting average hit its peak at .291 in 1976 with San Diego. That season, he led the Padres in batting average, knocked in 70 RBIs, and even picked up National League Player of the Week honors.

Across his 11 seasons, Ivie put together some solid numbers:

• 81 career home runs
• 411 career RBIs
• .269 career batting average

The 1979 season really showed what Ivie could do when he was healthy and locked in. Those 27 homers were more than he’d ever hit in a season, and the power was obvious.

Memorable Games and Milestones

Ivie’s MLB debut in 1971 brought instant excitement. In just six games, he reached base 10 times with eight hits, a walk, and a hit by pitch in only 19 plate appearances.

He hit his first career home run on September 11, 1974, off Houston Astros pitcher Don Wilson. That seventh-inning two-run shot gave the Padres a 2-0 win and announced his arrival as a power threat.

One of his most memorable performances came during Alvin Dark’s first two games managing the Padres in 1977. Ivie went seven-for-ten with six RBIs, including five doubles in a doubleheader sweep against San Francisco.

He even made a brief return to catching, starting behind the plate on July 5, 1976, against the Cubs. The experiment didn’t last, but it showed his willingness to help the team, even if catching wasn’t his thing.

Retirement, Legacy, and Personal Life

Mike Ivie’s baseball career ended suddenly in 1983 after just 12 games with the Detroit Tigers. That wrapped up a wild ride that started when he was the top draft pick in 1970. His relationships with managers and his battles with mental health changed how people in baseball think about player psychology.

Reasons Behind Early Retirement in 1983

Ivie retired after a string of conflicts with managers finally boiled over. Sparky Anderson, the Tigers’ manager, had pushed for Ivie to sign in 1982. Ivie responded well, hitting 14 homers in 259 at-bats.

But things changed in 1983. After just 12 games, the Tigers released him. He probably would’ve played no on-field position for Bill Virdon or Sparky Anderson.

This last exit matched a career-long pattern—he just didn’t mesh with a lot of managers. Ivie clashed with several, including John McNamara, Alvin Dark, and Dave Bristol. He refused to play certain positions, and that became a big part of his story.

The mental grind of pro baseball took a toll. Ivie struggled with what we now call performance anxiety, especially when he couldn’t throw the ball back to the pitcher as a catcher. That played a big role in his early retirement.

Impact on Teammates and Managers

Ivie’s career created plenty of challenges for the managers who tried to reach him. John McNamara once suspended him for refusing to play third base, telling him, “Kindergarten is now over,” after Ivie said he couldn’t hit at that position.

Alvin Dark found some early success with Ivie after taking over as Padres manager in 1977. He moved Ivie up in the batting order, and Ivie responded with a hot streak in Dark’s first games.

Teammates and managers saw both his raw talent and his struggles. The fact that he stuck around for 11 seasons, despite all the issues, says a lot about his ability.

Dave Bristol and others had to work around Ivie’s resistance to lineup changes. His career became a cautionary tale about the mental demands of pro sports, and it helped bring more attention to the psychological side of the game.

Life After Baseball and Remembrance

After he retired from baseball, Ivie mostly kept to himself. He married his grade school sweetheart, Mary Pamala Verner. Together, they raised two children, Steven and Scott.

Mike Ivie passed away at his home in North Augusta, South Carolina, on July 21, 2023. He was 70. According to his family, he’d struggled with poor health.

Some folks say his death closed the chapter on one of baseball’s strangest stories. His legacy focuses on how he brought attention to mental health issues in pro sports.

Ivie openly battled performance anxiety and often clashed with authority figures. Because of him, the baseball world started to see just how much psychological pressure players really face.

He didn’t quite become “the next Johnny Bench,” but Ivie’s story still matters. His career showed why mental health support is crucial in pro athletics, and maybe, just maybe, helped future players get the help they need.