TTM Stats
- Sent: 2/6/2018 | Received: 7/14/2022 | 1598 Days
- ’13 Topps Allen & Ginter (kept one card
- Address: Seattle Mariners Team Address (MLB Team Address Resource)
The Story of the Autograph
Mike Leake may never have possessed the overpowering velocity of a prototypical MLB ace, but few pitchers matched his finesse, durability, and baseball IQ during his decade-long major league career. Known for his consistency, efficiency, and unique journey to the big leagues, Leake quietly became one of the most dependable starters of the 2010s.
Michael Raymond Leake was born on November 12, 1987, in San Diego, California. Leake played baseball at Arizona State University, where he became one of the most dominant college pitchers in the nation. In 2009, he posted a remarkable 16–1 record with a 1.71 ERA, earning National Pitcher of the Year honors and solidifying himself as a top MLB draft prospect.
The Cincinnati Reds selected Leake with the 8th overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft. What followed was nearly unprecedented in modern baseball: Leake skipped the minor leagues entirely and debuted in the majors in April 2010 — the first pitcher in over 20 years to go directly from the draft to a big league mound.
Leake impressed immediately. In his rookie season (2010), he made 22 starts and posted an 8–4 record with a 4.23 ERA. His maturity and control stood out from the beginning. Over the next several seasons, he solidified his place in the Reds’ rotation, forming a dependable trio with Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey.
His best season with Cincinnati came in 2013, when he went 14–7 with a 3.37 ERA over 31 starts. Leake’s quick pace and low walk rate made him a fan favorite and a coach’s dream. While not a strikeout artist, he relied on ground balls, weak contact, and pinpoint command.
In 2015, the Reds traded Leake to the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline. He finished that season with the Giants before signing a five-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, beginning the second phase of his career.
Leake went on to pitch for the Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, and Arizona Diamondbacks, offering reliability wherever he went. His 2019 season with the Mariners was particularly memorable — not just for his solid numbers with them (9–8, 4.27 ERA), but for flirting with perfection. On July 19, 2019, Leake came within six outs of a perfect game against the Angels, finishing with a one-hit shutout.
In 2020, Leake made headlines again — this time for a different reason. He was the first MLB player to opt out of the COVID-shortened season, citing personal and family health concerns. It was a decision respected across the sport.
Over 10 MLB seasons, Leake compiled a 105–98 record with a 4.05 ERA in 301 games (all but five as a starter). He was never an All-Star, but he was the epitome of consistency, averaging 30+ starts per year from 2011 to 2019.
Leake’s arsenal centered on movement and location: a sinking fastball, slider, curve, and changeup, all designed to induce ground balls and disrupt timing. He was also a capable hitter for a pitcher, batting .192 for his career with six home runs — rare production from the mound in the modern era.
Mike Leake has always kept a low profile, preferring to let his performance speak for itself. Known for his humility and quiet competitiveness, he has largely stayed out of the public spotlight during and after his career. As of 2024, he has not officially retired but has remained out of MLB action since opting out of the 2020 season.
Mike Leake may never have received the national recognition of flashier arms, but his career is a testament to the value of pitchability, durability, and poise. From his unique no-minors debut to more than a decade of major league consistency, Leake carved out a career that aspiring pitchers and fans of the craft can admire.
He remains one of the few pitchers in modern history to successfully leap straight from college to the major leagues — and he made that leap count.
The Score on Mike Leake – 7.0
This one was a long time coming from Mike, but not any less appreciated. Basically four years. I always wonder about these because I sent this to the team and that meant he kept it and still decided to respond. That’s impressive to me.
Thanks Mr. Leake! I’m giving this one a 7.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.