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

Mike Paul’s name probably doesn’t ring out in baseball circles like some of his peers, but the left-handed pitcher managed to put together a solid six-year run in Major League Baseball before stepping away in 1974. He was born in Detroit in 1945 and worked his way up from the minors, finally landing with the Cleveland Indians in 1968. Over his MLB career, he ended up pitching for three different teams.

Paul’s career ended suddenly during the 1974 season. He appeared in just two games for the Chicago Cubs, posting a brutal 27.00 ERA. The team released him after that and, well, that was it for his time in the majors.

His last game happened on April 16, 1974, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That was the final chapter in a baseball journey filled with both glimpses of promise and plenty of tough outings on the mound.

Mike Paul’s story gives us a real look at the world of pro baseball. Talent and grit? Sure, he had those, but they don’t always mean you’re going to stick around for long. From a rookie who struck out his first batter to a veteran just trying to hang on, Paul’s path really highlights how unpredictable America’s pastime can be.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Mike Paul’s road to the big leagues started in Detroit, but he ended up in California’s high school and junior college systems before heading to the University of Arizona.

His family moved to California during his teens, and that move turned out to be huge for his baseball skills. He played so well in junior college that he landed a scholarship to keep playing at the next level.

Family Background and Upbringing

Michael George Paul was born on April 18, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the oldest of seven kids.

His dad, George Paul, worked as a police officer in Detroit. But George worried about the city getting more dangerous, so he moved the family when Mike was in eighth grade.

They settled in Compton, California, hoping for something safer and maybe a few more chances. That move ended up being a turning point for Mike’s baseball.

California offered year-round baseball, which Detroit just couldn’t match. And Southern California had a reputation for producing ballplayers who made it to the pros.

Introduction to Baseball

Mike went to Pope Pius X High School in Downey, California, and started to stand out as a pitcher. In 1962, as a senior, he won the Catholic League’s Most Valuable Player award.

That recognition helped him get to Cerritos Junior College in Southern California. He was pretty much untouchable there, going 13-0 in the 1965 season.

Paul’s performance at Cerritos earned him the Metropolitan Conference’s MVP award in 1965. Scouts from all over started to take notice.

Amateur Highlights and Key Influences

After junior college, Paul got a two-year scholarship to the University of Arizona in 1965. He battled some arm problems but still went 8-2 and helped the Wildcats reach the College World Series in 1966.

One of his most memorable games came against Arizona State University. He threw a complete-game win, beating a team with future Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson 6-1.

At the College World Series, Paul led Arizona to a win over Northeastern University. That turned out to be the Wildcats’ only win in the tournament that year.

During college, he also played summer league ball. In 1967, his Tucson summer team played against the Cleveland Indians’ Double-A affiliate. That’s when Indians scout Hank Peters first saw Paul’s potential for the pros.

Major League Career Overview

Mike Paul pitched in the majors from 1968 to 1974. He put up a 27-48 record over 228 games with three different teams.

He debuted for the Cleveland Indians at age 23. Later, he played for the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs.

Debut and Rookie Season

Paul broke into the majors on May 27, 1968, with the Cleveland Indians. He faced the Minnesota Twins, pitched 2.2 innings, allowed only one hit, struck out four, and even picked up a save.

He appeared in 36 games during his rookie year, posting a 5-8 record with a 3.93 ERA over 91.2 innings.

He showed he could start and relieve. Paul made seven starts and appeared in 13 games as a closer, racking up three saves. He struck out 87 and walked 35, which isn’t bad for a rookie.

Cleveland used him all over the pitching staff. His ability to handle multiple roles made him valuable during his time with the Indians.

Positions Played and Notable Skills

Paul always pitched left-handed and batted left-handed too. He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 175 pounds.

His main strength was his versatility. Over seven years, Paul made 77 starts and came out of the bullpen in 59 games, grabbing eight saves along the way.

His best year was 1972 with the Texas Rangers. Paul went 8-9, put up a 2.17 ERA over 161.2 innings, started 20 games, and struck out 108 batters.

He finished his career with 452 strikeouts in 627.2 innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio for his career was 1.84, which shows he had decent control, even though command sometimes slipped.

Key Teams and Trades

Paul spent his first four seasons with the Cleveland Indians from 1968 to 1971. He went 14-33 with a 4.39 ERA in 130 games there.

Before the 1972 season, the Indians traded him to the Texas Rangers. That move worked out for him, and he put up his best numbers in Texas. Over two years, he went 13-13 with a 3.14 ERA.

His last stop was the Chicago Cubs in 1973 and 1974. They traded for him midway through 1973, but he struggled, going 0-2 with a 5.03 ERA in 13 games.

Paul’s major league career ended in 1974 after just two games for the Cubs. He gave up four earned runs in 1.1 innings, which ballooned his ERA to 27.00 before Chicago cut him loose.

Notable Seasons and Achievements

Mike Paul’s MLB run had its ups and downs, but he did have one outstanding season and a handful of memorable games. His 1972 year with the Texas Rangers was his high point, and some key performances showed he could handle pressure.

Peak Performance Years

Paul really peaked in the 1972 season with the Texas Rangers under manager Ted Williams. He put up a 2.17 ERA in 49 games, which was sixth-best in the American League. Not bad, considering the Rangers lost 100 games that year.

He started 20 games and tossed 161⅔ innings. He only gave up four home runs all season, which speaks to his command. Paul later said his success that year was a mix of “decent pitching and a lot of luck.”

His 1968 rookie year with Cleveland was promising too. Paul went 5-8 with three saves in 36 games, joining a rotation with big names like Sam McDowell, Luis Tiant, and Sonny Siebert.

Standout Games and Series

Paul’s MLB debut came on May 27, 1968, against the Minnesota Twins. He took over in the seventh, replaced Stan Williams, and earned a save by allowing just one hit over 2⅔ innings in a 3-1 win.

Late in his rookie year, Paul started and won a big game against the Yankees in New York. That win helped Cleveland secure third place in the league.

While at Arizona, Paul pitched a complete-game 6-1 win over Arizona State in 1966. He beat a team that had Reggie Jackson, which is pretty wild.

In the College World Series that year, Paul led Arizona to a win over Northeastern University. It was the Wildcats’ only victory in the tournament.

Statistical Highlights

Paul’s career stats show both his highs and the struggles from arm injuries. That 2.17 ERA in 1972 is still his best stat line.

Key Career Numbers:

• Career ERA: 4.68 (1968-1974)
• Best single season: 2.17 ERA (1972)
• Strikeout rate: 140 strikeouts in 104 innings (1967 minors)
• College record: 13-0 at Cerritos Junior College (1965)

In 1967 at Triple-A Portland, Paul struck out 140 in just 104 innings and finished with a 2.34 ERA. That earned him a quick call-up to the majors.

He was also named Most Valuable Player of the Metropolitan Conference in 1965 during college. At Pope Pius X High School, he got Catholic League MVP honors as a senior in 1962.

Final Season and Retirement in 1974

Mike Paul’s baseball career wrapped up suddenly in 1974 after a rough stint with the Chicago Cubs. He lasted just two games before the Cubs released him, and that was the end of his six-year MLB run.

Performance in 1974

Paul’s 1974 season was, honestly, pretty rough. He pitched in just two games for the Cubs early on.

In those outings, he gave up four earned runs in only 1⅓ innings. That led to a staggering 27.00 ERA, which is about as bad as it gets for a pitcher with more than one appearance.

His final game was on April 16, 1974, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Paul couldn’t get a win in either game and finished with an 0-1 record.

This was a big drop from 1973, when he posted a 4.68 ERA over 47 games split between the Rangers and Cubs.

Circumstances Leading to Retirement

The Cubs cut Paul loose right after those tough early games. He didn’t get another shot with any other major league teams, so his MLB career ended at just 29 years old.

After a strong 1972 season with Texas, Paul had struggled with inconsistency. Arm problems and a loss of velocity made things worse as time went on.

By 1974, he just couldn’t keep up with the competition. Teams back then weren’t as patient with struggling veterans, and the Cubs needed steady pitching.

Paul’s early numbers made him an easy choice for release.

Reaction from Teams and Fans

The Cubs’ decision to let Paul go didn’t stir up any real controversy. Management felt the move was necessary to improve the roster.

No other teams reached out to sign him. His reputation for inconsistency and recent struggles left him with few options.

Fans and the media barely noticed Paul’s exit from baseball. His brief appearances in 1974 got almost no coverage.

After leaving MLB, Paul kept playing in the Mexican League until 1982. Clearly, he still loved the game, even if his major league days were over.

Connections and Impact in the Baseball Community

Mike Paul made meaningful connections throughout his career, and those relationships lasted far beyond his playing days. He built bonds with teammates like Ray Fosse and mentored up-and-coming players, helping shape baseball communities from the majors to winter leagues.

Influential Teammates and Opponents

Paul made friendships that really shaped his time in baseball. He met Ray Fosse back in 1967 while they played for Triple-A Portland, and that turned into a lifelong bond.

They stuck by each other as their big league careers unfolded. It’s the kind of support you don’t forget.

When Paul was a rookie with Cleveland in 1968, he roomed with Tony Horton. Horton, another young guy from Southern California, helped Paul settle into the major leagues.

That connection made the transition a bit easier for both of them.

Paul went up against some tough opponents over the years. He pitched against the New York Yankees in a late-season game that played a big role in Cleveland locking up third place in 1968.

He also threw a complete-game win over Arizona State, facing off with future Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

As a coach, Paul worked with Randy Johnson during Johnson’s early days in Seattle. Paul called Johnson a “very intense competitor” who had trouble with mechanics at first.

Paul’s guidance helped Johnson become one of the game’s best pitchers.

Role Within the Teams

Paul brought a steady veteran presence to every team he joined. From 1968 to 1971 in Cleveland, he pitched as both a starter and a reliever.

Managers really valued his flexibility, especially when injuries or slumps hit the pitching staff.

The Texas Rangers leaned on Paul’s experience during their move from Washington in 1972. Ted Williams liked that Paul wasn’t afraid to throw breaking balls.

Paul once told a little white lie about throwing a curveball instead of a fastball, just to dodge one of Williams’ lectures on home runs.

Under Whitey Herzog in 1973, Paul liked the manager’s even-handed approach. “He treated everyone fairly, he treated me the same whether I had a good outing or a poor outing,” Paul said.

That kind of consistency really helped keep the clubhouse together when things got rough.

When Paul joined Chicago in 1973, he brought leadership to a Cubs team pushing for the pennant. His experience in tight spots proved useful during their late-season chase.

Legacy and Reputation

Paul’s influence went far beyond just his stats. He coached and scouted for decades, shaping plenty of careers along the way.

He served as bullpen coach for Oakland’s 1988 World Series team, and watched Kirk Gibson’s iconic Game One homer from just 50 feet away in the bullpen.

Paul helped develop young players throughout his coaching career. As Seattle’s pitching coach from 1989 to 1992, he worked closely with Randy Johnson as Johnson ironed out his mechanics.

That effort played a part in Johnson’s Hall of Fame journey.

Paul scouted for several organizations, spending a long stretch with Colorado starting in 2006. His knack for spotting talent kept him working in pro baseball for over 50 years.

People around the sport respected Paul as a sharp baseball mind. He always made time to help younger players and coaches, leaving a real mark that went way beyond his own playing days.

Life After Baseball and Net Worth

Mike Paul moved from playing to a long coaching and scouting career that lasted more than forty years. His net worth shows the modest salaries of players from his era, and his post-retirement baseball work kept money coming in through 2020.

Post-Retirement Endeavors

After his big league days ended in 1974, Paul kept pitching in the Mexican League until 1982. He got the nickname “Whitey Ford of Mexico” after winning 20 games more than once with teams like Juarez and Mexico City.

Paul started coaching in 1983 as the pitching coach for Reno in the Padres’ system. He spent two years there, working with future star Mitch Williams.

From 1985 to 1986, he coached pitchers for Triple-A Vancouver with the Brewers. His reputation grew as he helped mold young arms in the minors.

Involvement in the Baseball Community

Paul’s major league coaching career took off in 1987 when Tony La Russa brought him on as the Oakland Athletics’ bullpen coach. He held that job for two seasons, including the 1988 World Series run.

In 1989, Paul became the Seattle Mariners’ pitching coach under Jim LeFebvre. For three years, he worked with a young Randy Johnson, who, as Paul put it, was a “very intense competitor” still figuring out his mechanics.

Paul went back to Oakland in 1992 as a bench coach and advance scout. Later, he served as the Texas Rangers’ advance scout from 1995 to 2001.

His last gig came with the Colorado Rockies in 2006, scouting big league and minor league players in the Southwest. Paul finally retired in 2020, wrapping up 53 years in pro baseball at age 75.

Estimated Net Worth and Public Life

Paul’s net worth stays pretty modest, which honestly makes sense given how little 1970s players earned. Back then, the major league minimum salary sat at just $10,000, so he really needed those winter league gigs to get by.

After retiring, he jumped into coaching and scouting. Those jobs kept the bills paid for over forty years, but no one’s ever shared the exact numbers.

These days, Paul keeps things quiet. He lives in Tucson with his wife, Rosalie. They’ve got two daughters, Amanda and Allison.

When people talk about Paul, they focus more on how he helped develop players than on how much money he made. That seems to be the legacy he’s left behind.