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

Mike Witt spent 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, delivering some unforgettable moments and showing off his talent. Growing up in California, he made his MLB debut in 1981 and pretty quickly turned heads as a pitcher for the California Angels. Witt stepped away from pro baseball in 1993 at just 32, after arm injuries kept nagging him and cut short what could’ve been an even longer, impressive career.

Fans probably remember him best for throwing the 11th perfect game in MLB history back in 1984. Witt’s pinpoint control and wicked breaking ball helped him become a two-time All-Star. After his long run with the Angels, he finished up with the New York Yankees, leaving behind 117 wins and over 1,200 strikeouts.

When he hung up his cleats, Witt moved into coaching at Dana Point High School from 1994 to 1999, sharing what he knew with young players. He never got a World Series ring, but that perfect game and his steady run through the 1980s definitely earned him a spot in baseball history as one of the most reliable starters of his era.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Mike Witt grew up in southern California, where his love for baseball and natural talent showed up early. That drive set him on a path straight to the pros.

High School and Amateur Career

Michael Atwater Witt was born July 20, 1960, in Fullerton, California, and spent his childhood in Buena Park. Even as a kid, Witt stood out—tall, with smooth pitching mechanics that made coaches take notice.

At Servite High School in Anaheim, Witt developed the fastball and breaking pitches that would become his signature in the majors. His high school games were full of standout performances, and scouts started showing up to watch.

He kept sharpening his skills in summer leagues, facing tough competition and building the foundation for his pro career.

Notre Dame Connection

A lot of talented high school players headed off to Notre Dame to play college ball, but Witt didn’t follow that route. He skipped college and jumped straight into professional baseball after high school.

Notre Dame had a reputation for developing pitchers, but Witt’s disciplined mechanics and approach to the game matched up with what you’d expect from that program anyway.

Skipping college let Witt start his pro career earlier, which definitely sped things up for him.

Draft and Signing

The California Angels picked Mike Witt in the fourth round of the 1978 MLB Draft, betting on his potential as a future starter. Witt, just 17, signed with his hometown team and began working his way through their farm system.

His signing bonus wasn’t huge by today’s numbers, but the Angels clearly believed in him. They put him right into their development program, focusing on his mechanics and building up his stamina for the grind of pro pitching.

Witt moved up through the minors at a steady pace, getting better each year. By the time he turned 20, he was ready for his big league debut on April 11, 1981, taking the mound for the Angels as a rookie.

Major League Debut and Rising Stardom

Mike Witt started out as a promising young arm in the Angels organization. Those early years gave fans a glimpse of his raw talent and steady growth into one of the American League’s most dependable starters in the 1980s.

Los Angeles Angels Debut

On April 11, 1981, Witt made his MLB debut for the Angels at just 20 years old. The 6’7″ righty had been drafted by the Angels in the 4th round in 1978. His rookie year was a bit rocky—he finished 2-4 as he got used to facing big league hitters.

Even with the ups and downs, the Angels saw big potential in the kid from Fullerton. His size and smooth delivery gave him an edge, even if he still needed to polish his control. His fastball and breaking pitches already looked nasty.

The 1981 season got cut short by a player strike, so Witt didn’t have a ton of chances to show what he could do. Still, he’d done enough to prove he belonged in the rotation.

Early Achievements

By 1984, Witt had turned into a front-line starter for the Angels. That season he racked up 15 wins and a 3.47 ERA, but what really put him on the map happened on the last day of the regular season.

On September 30, 1984, Witt threw the 11th perfect game in MLB history against the Texas Rangers. The 25-year-old retired all 18 Texas batters through six innings and finished the perfect game with almost no run support—the Angels scored just once off a Reggie Jackson grounder.

That perfect game locked in Witt’s place in baseball lore and launched him into the best stretch of his career.

Development as a Pitcher

From 1985 to 1987, Witt really took over as the Angels’ ace. His best season came in 1986: 18 wins, a 2.84 ERA, and third place in Cy Young voting. He helped the Angels reach the ALCS against the Red Sox that year.

Witt’s pitching arsenal kept evolving. He added a sharp curveball to go with his fastball, and his knack for changing speeds let him work deep into games. Managers loved how he could eat innings—he averaged over 250 per season during his peak.

From 1984 to 1987, Witt started at least 34 games each year. That kind of durability is rare. The Angels got exactly what they hoped for when they drafted him.

Career Highlights with the Angels

Mike Witt became one of the Angels’ top pitchers in the 1980s. At 6’7″, with a killer curveball, he hit several big milestones in Anaheim.

Perfect Game of 1984

On September 30, 1984, Witt made history by throwing the 11th perfect game in MLB. He shut down the Texas Rangers on the last day of the season, retiring all 27 batters.

He struck out 10, needed just 94 pitches, and finished things off with a simple grounder to second base.

It was only the second perfect game in Angels history. Witt didn’t even allow a three-ball count all game.

That performance became the highlight of his career and made sure everyone remembered his name.

No-Hitter with Mark Langston

On April 11, 1990, Witt teamed up with Mark Langston for a no-hitter against the Mariners.

Langston handled the first seven innings, then Witt came in to close out the last two. Together, they pulled off the rare combined no-hitter, with Witt retiring six straight hitters to seal it.

The Angels squeaked out a 1-0 win, making it a tense finish.

Witt showed he could handle both starting and relieving. Even as he moved into the bullpen later on, he still had the stuff to shut down hitters.

All-Star Selection

Witt made the All-Star team twice with the Angels, representing the American League in 1986 and 1987.

His first All-Star nod came in 1986, his best season—18-10, 2.84 ERA, leading the Angels’ staff.

He got picked again in 1987, showing he could keep up that high level. Witt built a reputation for durability, regularly pitching deep into games and piling up innings.

Between 1984 and 1987, Witt was one of the most reliable starters in the league. Players and coaches across MLB respected his consistency.

Seasonal Performance Breakdown

Witt’s best run with the Angels lasted from 1984 to 1987, when he won at least 15 games each year:

• 1984: 15-11, 3.47 ERA, 156 strikeouts
• 1985: 15-9, 3.56 ERA, 180 strikeouts
• 1986: 18-10, 2.84 ERA, 208 strikeouts
• 1987: 16-14, 3.92 ERA, 205 strikeouts

He was a workhorse, topping 250 innings in both 1986 and 1987.

That 1986 season was his peak—he led the team in wins, strikeouts, complete games, and innings, and helped them reach the ALCS.

Transition to the New York Yankees

After years as the Angels’ ace, Mike Witt ended up in Yankees pinstripes. The tall righty headed to New York during a time when the Yankees were trying to rebuild, bringing his experience and skills to a new stage.

Trade Details

On May 11, 1990, the Angels traded Witt to the Yankees for Dave Winfield. That deal ended his nine-year run in Anaheim, where he’d built a reputation as one of the American League’s best pitchers.

Witt came to New York with an All-Star appearance and a perfect game on his resume. The Yankees hoped he could steady their rotation.

At 29, Witt was supposed to be a key piece for the Yankees’ pitching staff. The trade gave him a fresh start after his performance had slipped a bit with the Angels.

Pitching Staff Dynamics

Witt joined a Yankees team in flux. The pitching staff mixed veterans with younger arms, and managers Stump Merrill and later Buck Showalter tried to find the right formula.

Witt’s role bounced between starting and bullpen work as the Yankees tried to figure things out. He pitched alongside guys like Andy Hawkins, Tim Leary, and Chuck Cary.

The Yankees were struggling during Witt’s time, finishing below .500 several seasons in a row. That made it tough for Witt to recapture his best form.

Injuries made things even harder. Witt couldn’t stay healthy enough to lock down a steady spot in the rotation.

Notable Performances with the Yankees

Witt’s time with the Yankees felt more like a struggle than a triumph. Injuries, especially nagging elbow problems, kept getting in his way and eventually forced him into surgery. After that, he spent almost two years trying to rebuild his career, but the comeback never quite clicked.

When Witt joined the Yankees, he left behind his role as an Angel. The team was playing in Seattle at the time, and Witt suddenly had to adapt to the New York media circus and the unique pressure of pitching at Yankee Stadium. That’s a tough ask for anyone.

His best run in pinstripes came in 1990 and 1991. For a while, he looked like the same pitcher who’d shined with the Angels in the mid-80s, but injuries soon caught up with him.

By 1993, Witt was nearing the end of his professional journey. He barely saw action that year, giving it one last shot to bounce back from his constant injury troubles.

Notable Games and Memorable Moments

Mike Witt left behind some unforgettable moments on the mound. His clean mechanics and competitive streak led to games that still get talked about by fans who love the sport.

Facing Ken Phelps and Rickey Henderson

Witt’s most legendary performance came on the last day of the 1984 season. He threw a perfect game against the Texas Rangers on September 30, retiring all 27 batters and striking out 10 with just 94 pitches. That was only the 11th perfect game in MLB history—pretty wild.

He handled Ken Phelps, a real power threat, by mixing his curveball with his fastball and keeping him guessing. Against Rickey Henderson—the stolen base king—Witt adjusted his delivery to the plate, making it tough for Henderson to swipe a bag. Not many pitchers managed that.

Matches Against Terry Mulholland and Dwight Gooden

Witt had his share of pitching duels against standouts like Terry Mulholland, especially in those tense National League matchups after he landed in New York. He’d show off his stamina and control, keeping games close.

Facing Dwight “Doc” Gooden was always a challenge. Witt matched Gooden pitch for pitch in late-80s showdowns, and those games often came down to just a run or two. One exhibition game stands out—Witt went toe-to-toe with Gooden through seven innings, showing why both belonged in the conversation about the era’s best.

Extra Innings and Ninth Inning Drama

Witt often delivered when the pressure ramped up. In Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS, he pitched 8⅔ tough innings against the Red Sox, putting the Angels within one out of their first World Series. The Angels lost in the end, but Witt’s performance stuck in people’s memories.

He liked to finish what he started. From 1984 to 1987, Witt completed 34 games, including a few that stretched into extra innings. His teammates respected his stamina.

In 1987, Witt joined Mark Langston for a combined no-hitter, coming out of the bullpen to lock down the final innings. That game really showed his flexibility and calm under pressure.

Pitching Style and Statistics

Mike Witt made his mark as a steady, sometimes dominant, pitcher during his 12 years in the majors. His unique mechanics and reliable presence on the mound made him a real asset, especially in his prime with the California Angels.

Pitch Selection and Approach

Witt relied on a strong four-seam fastball that usually clocked in at the low 90s. That was his bread and butter. He paired it with a nasty curveball that dropped off the table, plus a slider and changeup to keep hitters honest.

Standing 6’7″, Witt used his height to create a steep angle on his pitches, making them hard to hit square. His delivery looked smooth and repeatable, which helped him stay on target more often than not.

He liked to establish the fastball early, then break out the curve or slider to put hitters away. Witt wasn’t shy about pitching inside, staking his claim to both sides of the plate.

Career Earned Run Average (ERA)

Witt finished with a career ERA of 3.83 over 12 seasons. His ERA bounced around a bit, but his best years came with the Angels.

In 1986, he put up a stellar 2.84 ERA over 269 innings—hard to top that kind of consistency. He allowed three or fewer earned runs in 25 of his 34 starts that year.

From 1984 to 1988, Witt regularly outperformed the league average ERA, showing he was a solid frontline starter. His numbers slipped later on with the Yankees, mostly because injuries started to drag him down.

Wins, Losses, and Strikeouts

Witt put together a career record of 117 wins and 116 losses. Not flashy, but it speaks to his staying power as a starter. His best year for wins was 1984, when he notched 15 victories for the Angels.

He struck out 1,324 batters in his career, averaging about 6.1 Ks per nine innings. His biggest strikeout year was 1984, with 183 batters fanned.

A few highlights:

• Perfect game: September 30, 1984, vs. Texas Rangers
• Combined no-hitter: April 11, 1990, with Mark Langston
• Career-high 18 wins in 1986
• Three seasons with 200+ innings pitched

Honestly, his win-loss record doesn’t tell the whole story—he often pitched for teams that didn’t give him a ton of run support.

Comparisons to Contemporaries

Compared to his peers, Witt stood out for his durability and consistency. He wasn’t quite on the level of Fernando Valenzuela, but people saw him as a dependable second-tier starter during his best years.

He didn’t have the raw velocity of someone like Randy Johnson. Instead, Witt relied on movement, pitch sequencing, and control. His style felt more like Scott Erickson’s—mixing pitches and keeping hitters off balance.

Among Angels pitchers from that era, Witt ranks near the top. Throwing a perfect game put him in a pretty exclusive club—only 23 perfect games in MLB history, after all.

Brian Holman, another tall righty from those days, had a similar look, but Witt’s career lasted longer and hit higher peaks.

Challenges and Injuries

Mike Witt’s career looked so promising at first, but injuries really threw him off course. Arm problems changed everything for him, affecting both his performance and his role as the years went on.

Injuries Impacting Career

Witt’s right elbow injury ended up being the most damaging. In 1991, his elbow problems kept him out until June. Things went downhill fast—he made only two starts before his elbow gave out. In his second start, he faced just four batters before coming out.

He needed surgery, which left a five-inch scar on the inside of his right elbow. That scar was a constant reminder of how quickly things unraveled. Witt spent months fighting to get back to his old form, but it never really happened.

Spring training turned into a grind, with Witt trying to regain arm strength while still dealing with pain.

Bullpen and Role Changes

As the injuries piled up, Witt’s job changed. The Yankees moved him from the rotation to the bullpen, hoping to get some value from him despite his limitations.

When Witt was healthy enough, he showed flashes of his old self in relief. In one game, he came in and retired all six batters he faced, getting four groundouts to second base and striking out two. That effort helped save a no-hitter.

The shift to the bullpen was a big adjustment for Witt. He’d once thrown a perfect game in MLB history as a starter, but now he had to get used to shorter outings and a whole new mindset.

Final Seasons Performance

Witt’s last MLB seasons were rough. He spent a lot of time on the disabled list—almost felt like he lived there. His performance just wasn’t the same as it had been during his prime with the Angels.

By 1993, Witt was done with pro baseball, retiring at 32. The main reason was those stubborn arm problems that never let him catch a break.

After hanging up his spikes, Witt jumped into coaching at Dana Point High School from 1994-1999. Coaching let him stay close to the game, even if injuries had cut his playing days short.

Final Season and Retirement in 1993

Mike Witt wrapped up his baseball career in 1993 with the Yankees, ending a 12-year run that started back in 1981. His last season was a struggle, with just a couple of appearances as he tried to come back from all those injuries.

Last MLB Games

Witt’s final season with the New York Yankees was short and honestly pretty tough to watch. He made his last big league appearance on June 17, 1993, at just 32. That year, he pitched in only two games.

The stats from 1993 barely register—no wins, no losses, and not much chance to show off the skills that once made him a star. The lack of playing time made it clear his physical struggles weren’t going away.

His last games looked nothing like his prime with the Angels, when he tossed a perfect game and made the All-Star conversation. His arm just couldn’t deliver at that level anymore.

Retirement Decision

Witt’s decision to retire didn’t catch anyone off guard. After Tommy John surgery, he missed most of the 1991 and 1992 seasons while trying to recover.

The Yankees had put a lot of faith in him, handing out an $8 million, 3-year deal, but Witt’s body just couldn’t hold up. The contract showed the team’s hope, but surgery complications made a real comeback impossible.

For Witt, it really came down to what his arm could handle. At 32, he probably would’ve kept playing if he could, but years of pitching finally caught up to him.

Immediate Aftermath

After he retired, Witt joined the list of players who ended their careers in 1993. That year felt like a turning point in baseball, with several veterans from the ’80s stepping away from the game.

Witt left a pretty impressive legacy:

• 12 seasons in Major League Baseball
• A perfect game (September 30, 1984 against Texas)
• Combined no-hitter with Mark Langston (April 11, 1990)
• 117 career wins
• An All-Star selection

His exit from baseball flew under the radar compared to what folks expected when he first broke in with the Angels. While some former players jump right into coaching or TV, Witt mostly kept to himself after he left the field.

Pitchers like Witt showed just how much strain the game puts on arms and bodies, especially before modern sports medicine became what it is today.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Mike Witt really made his mark on baseball with his pitching technique, team contributions, and, of course, that perfect game in 1984. Even now, his influence still lingers in the sport.

Influence on Future Pitchers

At 6-foot-7, Witt towered over most hitters, and his overhand delivery gave him a unique style. Young pitchers watched him closely, hoping to replicate that nasty curveball he threw. It had wicked downward movement—probably one of the best breaking balls of the ’80s.

That perfect game on the last day of the ’84 season? Only 23 pitchers in MLB history have pulled that off. Coaches and development programs still bring it up as a lesson in staying calm and in control.

During the late ’80s and early ’90s, young Angels pitchers often said Witt helped them grow. He focused on mechanics more than just throwing hard, and that approach shaped a generation of Angels arms.

Contributions to Team Success

Witt took the role of ace for the California Angels during their competitive run in the mid-1980s. His steady presence anchored a rotation that kept the team in the mix in the tough American League West.

In 1986, Witt led the Angels to the American League Championship Series. He went 18-10 with a 2.84 ERA that year, which put him among the league’s top pitchers.

He racked up 109 wins with the Angels, putting him among the franchise’s all-time leaders. That stretch of success helped lay the groundwork for the franchise’s eventual 2002 World Series title.

Recognition and Awards

Witt got his share of recognition, making the American League All-Star team in both 1986 and 1987. Those back-to-back selections showed just how dominant he was at his peak.

He didn’t win a Cy Young, but he did finish third in the voting in 1986—pretty impressive considering the competition that year.

The Angels inducted Witt into their Hall of Fame in 2015, a move that really cemented his place in franchise history. That honor wasn’t just about his perfect game, but everything he brought to the team over the years.

His perfect game still stands in the record books, and it’s hard to imagine baseball folks ever forgetting it.

Post-Retirement Life

After arm injuries forced him to hang up his cleats in 1993, Mike Witt started a new chapter—one that kept him close to baseball but also let him branch out. He shifted from major league pitcher to roles as a coach, community figure, and sometimes public presence.

Coaching and Mentoring

Once he retired, Witt started coaching at Dana Point High School from 1994-1999. He brought his major league experience to young pitchers, offering real-world advice you just can’t get from a book.

He sometimes ran into old teammates and rivals at clinics around Southern California. At one event, he and John Farrell swapped pitching stories. Farrell, who later managed in the big leagues, often mentioned Witt’s perfect game as a clinic in pitch sequencing.

Unlike some of his peers, Witt didn’t chase a full-time coaching gig in the majors. He liked working with high school kids, where he could really shape their development. He focused on mechanics, hoping to help them avoid the injuries that ended his own career early.

Community Involvement

Witt stayed active with Angels alumni, showing up at charity fundraisers and fan days. After his Hall of Fame induction, he felt even more connected to the team and its fans.

He started youth baseball camps in Orange County, keeping the focus on fundamentals and sportsmanship. These camps became pretty popular and brought fans of all ages together.

Witt also quietly supported local charities, especially those helping kids with health issues. He never made a big deal about it—just did the work and let it speak for itself.

Interviews and Public Appearances

Although he didn’t seek the spotlight, Witt got a lot of attention during his Angels Hall of Fame induction. That ceremony put his perfect game and overall career front and center again.

Documentaries about perfect games sometimes feature Witt. He usually downplays his own role, giving credit to his catchers and defense.

In a 2010 interview with Jeff Weaver, Witt talked about how pitching had changed over the years. Weaver focused on velocity and bullpen roles, but Witt stuck to his guns, preferring the complete game approach that defined his era.

When Witt shows up at memorabilia shows or fan conventions, Angels fans always greet him warmly. They remember his dominant years and, of course, that perfect game in 1984.

Mike Witt in Popular Baseball Culture

Mike Witt’s legacy goes beyond the numbers. That perfect game and his steady performance made him a memorable figure in baseball circles. Fans and historians still talk about his career highlights.

Media Features

Witt’s perfect game on September 30, 1984 gets plenty of media attention. That game against the Rangers, right at the end of the season, pops up in MLB documentaries about perfect games and the 1980s.

Baseball card collectors know Witt’s cards, especially from his best years with the California Angels. His 1982 Topps rookie card picked up steam after the perfect game, turning into a nice little collector’s item.

ESPN Classic Sports has replayed Witt’s perfect game now and then in their “Greatest Games” series, letting younger fans see his pinpoint control and calm on the mound.

Fan Community Remembrance

Angels fans really appreciate Witt as one of the best homegrown pitchers the team’s ever had. His number isn’t retired, but that perfect game is still a huge part of team lore.

Online baseball forums often bring up Witt when talking about “underrated aces of the 1980s.” His 3.83 ERA and 117-116 record don’t tell the whole story—he was a force during his prime.

After retiring in 1993 at just 32 because of arm injuries, Witt stayed connected to the game by coaching at Dana Point High School from 1994-1999. Through that, he helped create a new generation of fans who appreciate his love of baseball.

Classic Game Recaps

Witt’s perfect game probably gets more recaps than any other moment from his career. That last out—the crowd roaring, everyone on their feet—shows up in nearly every MLB perfect game highlight reel.

People also love to talk about Witt’s combined no-hitter with Mark Langston on April 11, 1990. Langston took care of the first seven innings, then Witt closed it out for the last two against the Seattle Mariners.

Baseball historians still bring up Witt’s performance in the 1986 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. The Angels didn’t win the series, but Witt really delivered in Game 1 and proved he could handle the postseason spotlight.

Sometimes, you’ll see Witt’s matchups with other big-name pitchers from the ’80s—guys like Roger Clemens, Dave Stieb, and Jack Morris—pop up in those retrospectives about the era’s pitching battles.