TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/22/22 | Received: 7/2/2022 | 10 Days
- ’77 Topps (2), ’78 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Paul Michael Mitchell Jr., born on August 19, 1949, in Worcester, Massachusetts, carved out a notable career as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the 1970s. His path from collegiate baseball to the professional leagues is a testament to his dedication and skill.
Mitchell attended Worcester Academy, where his athletic prowess became evident. Opting to further his education and baseball career, he enrolled at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. During his time there, Mitchell honed his pitching abilities, setting the stage for his future in professional baseball. In the summers from 1969 to 1971, he played for the Falmouth Commodores in the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL), leading the team to three consecutive league championships and earning the league’s Outstanding Pitcher award in 1969 and 1970.
In 1971, the Baltimore Orioles selected Mitchell in the first round (7th overall) of the MLB June Draft-Secondary Phase. He began his professional journey with the Double-A Asheville Orioles, progressing to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. These formative years in the minor leagues allowed Mitchell to refine his skills and prepare for the demands of the major leagues.
Mitchell made his MLB debut on July 1, 1975, with the Baltimore Orioles. During his six-season tenure in the majors, he played for several teams:
- Baltimore Orioles (1975): Mitchell’s introduction to the big leagues saw him appear in 11 games, achieving a 3-0 record with a 3.63 ERA.
- Oakland Athletics (1976–1977): Traded to the Athletics, Mitchell became a regular starter. In 1976, he recorded a 9-7 win-loss record over 26 starts, including four complete games and a shutout. However, the following season proved challenging, with a 0-3 record and a 10.54 ERA before being acquired by the Seattle Mariners.
- Seattle Mariners (1977–1979): Joining the Mariners during their inaugural season, Mitchell aimed to provide stability to their rotation. In 1978, he led the team with 29 starts, posting an 8-14 record and a 4.18 ERA. His tenure with Seattle concluded in 1979 after a combined record of 4-7 between the Mariners and the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Milwaukee Brewers (1979–1980): Mitchell’s final MLB seasons were with the Brewers. In 1980, he achieved a 5-5 record with a 3.53 ERA over 17 appearances, including a shutout, before retiring from professional play.
Over his MLB career, Mitchell amassed a 32-39 win-loss record with a 4.45 ERA and 277 strikeouts across 621.1 innings pitched. Notably, he maintained a perfect fielding percentage, handling 114 chances without an error, underscoring his defensive reliability.
After retiring from professional baseball, Mitchell’s subsequent endeavors have been less documented in public records. His journey from a collegiate athlete to a major league pitcher remains a narrative of perseverance and adaptability. Mitchell’s contributions to the teams he played for, particularly during pivotal seasons, reflect his commitment to the sport.
Paul Mitchell’s baseball career serves as an inspiration, illustrating the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of the game. His legacy endures in the memories of fans and the annals of MLB history.
The Score on Paul Mitchell – 5.5
This is a tough one from Paul. The marker kind of looks a bit dull or something. At least on that 1978 card it does – maybe it was also airbrushed? LOL! As for the 1977 Topps cards, he simply mirrored or copied or followed the facsimile signature. That’s not my favorite.
Thanks Mr. Mitchell! I’m giving this return a 5.5.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first return, check out my post from January 2023.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.