Mike Stanton (left-handed pitcher)

William Michael Stanton (born June 2, 1967) is an American former left-handed relief pitcher who pitched for eight teams in Major League Baseball between 1989 and 2007. Stanton won the World Series in 1998, 1999, and 2000 as a member of the New York Yankees.

Early life

Stanton graduated from Midland High School in Midland, Texas, where he played baseball, basketball and football. However, he did not pitch at all in high school. His first pitching appearance came at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Stanton also attended Alvin Community College.

Baseball career

Stanton relied throughout his career on a fastball, slider, and curveball. He also developed a two-seam fastball and changeup.

Atlanta Braves (1989–1995)

Stanton was drafted by the Atlanta Braves. He made his major league debut with the Braves in 1989 and spent the first six years of his career with the team. He pitched in 20 games in his first year, racking up 27 strikeouts and seven saves.

Stanton struggled mightily in his sophomore season, going 0–3 with an ERA of 18.00 in just seven innings (giving up 14 runs). His first full year in the major leagues was 1991, and he put up a 5–5 record in 74 games, earning a spot on the Braves' postseason roster. He pitched well, allowing just one run in eight total games and earning a win in the 1991 World Series.

In 1992, Stanton went 5–4, (his first season with a record over .500).

Boston Red Sox (1995–1996)

Stanton pitched in 22 games with a 1–0 record and 3.00 ERA in 1995. He allowed one hit and struck out four in his only postseason appearance. In 1996, he fashioned a 4–3 record with a 3.83 ERA before being traded to the Texas Rangers.

Texas Rangers (1996)

Stanton pitched in 23 games while surrendering eight runs. In the 1996 American League Division Series, he pitched in three games, earning one loss and surrendering his only postseason home run.

New York Mets (2003–2004)

On December 16, 2002, Stanton signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the New York Mets. He spent two seasons with the club. Stanton posted a career-worst 2–7 with a 4.57 ERA with the Mets in 2003. He posted a 2–6 record in 2004 despite rebounding back with a 3.16 ERA. On September 29, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he pitched one inning of one-hit ball. He was released by the Red Sox on October 12. After being cut by the Reds, Stanton signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Chicago Cubs on January 20, . He did not make the team and was released on March 30.

In his major league career, Stanton posted a 68–63 record with a 3.92 ERA and 84 saves in 1178 games pitched which ranks him second all-time in appearances behind Jesse Orosco (1252). He is also the all-time leader in holds with 266 when counting games before 1999, when MLB started counting it as an official statistic.

Despite being a set-up man, Stanton chose to come out of the bullpen to an entrance song like many Major League closers do. Stanton usually entered to Aldo Nova's "Fantasy". With the New York Mets however, he came in to Metallica's "Enter Sandman" during save situations as a tribute to Mariano Rivera, whom he set up for in his Yankees years.

Mitchell Report

Stanton was mentioned in the Mitchell Report for purchasing human growth hormone, implicated by Kirk Radomski. Stanton has flatly denied any wrongdoing or any connection to any type of performance-enhancing drugs in his baseball career. Stanton's alleged HGH use was also mentioned in testimony by Brian McNamee during the Roger Clemens trial.

Coaching career

Stanton worked as the head coach of the varsity baseball team at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey.

Broadcasting career

From 2013 to 2024, Stanton hosted the pregame show for the Houston Astros on Space City Home Network.