Mike Schmidt

Lore & Background

Schmidt's parents were Joseph Jack Schmidt (1926–2011) and Lois Jane Philipps (1926–2019). They managed the Philipps Aquatic Club founded by Lois's great-grandfather Charles A. Philipps in 1865. Schmidt was a lifeguard at the club. At age 5, Schmidt climbed a tree and was electrocuted when he touched a wire; his heart stopped and he fell, causing his heart to restart. He survived with minimal burn marks. Schmidt was a standout athlete in both Little League Baseball and in three sports at Fairview High School in Dayton, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1967. However, knee surgeries ended his participation in basketball and football. He then attended Ohio University in Athens, where he joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. At Ohio University, Schmidt led the Ohio Bobcats baseball team to the College World Series and was selected as the shortstop for the 1970 College Baseball All-America Team. Schmidt was drafted by the Phillies in the second round of the 1971 Major League Baseball draft, 30th overall. On June 11, Schmidt was signed by Phillies scout Tony Lucadello, who had followed him since high school. Six days later, Schmidt made his professional debut in an exhibition game between the Phillies and their Double-A affiliate the Reading Phillies in Reading, Pennsylvania. Schmidt played the whole game at shortstop for the Phillies, hitting a game-winning home run against his future Reading teammates. Schmidt stayed in Reading, spending the rest of the 1971 season at the Double-A level. In 1972, he was promoted to the Triple-A Eugene Emeralds of the Pacific Coast League. Along with shortstop and third base, Schmidt also played at second base during his time in the minor leagues. Schmidt spent two seasons in the Phillies' farm system, where he batted .263 with 34 home runs and 122 runs batted in. After playing most of the season for Triple-A Eugene, he was called up to the Phillies in September and made his major league debut against the New York Mets on September 12. Four days later, in Philadelphia on September 16, Schmidt ended Montreal Expos pitcher Balor Moore's streak of 25 scoreless innings pitched with his first career home run. Following the 1972 season, the Phillies dealt third baseman Don Money to the Milwaukee Brewers to open a spot for Schmidt in their infield. While he batted only .196 with 136 strikeouts during his first full season, Schmidt demons

In Their Own Story

The roar of the crowd at Veterans Stadium was deafening as Mike Schmidt stepped into the batter's box, the familiar weight of his bat grounding him against the noise. He adjusted his helmet, eyes locked on the pitcher from the opposing team, knowing this moment required absolute focus. With a smooth, powerful swing that echoed through the night air, he sent the ball soaring toward the outfield lights, a testament to years of dedication and the relentless pursuit of greatness that defined his career in Philadelphia.

Reader's Guide

Schmidt was a 12-time All-Star and a three-time winner of the National League Most Valuable Player award. He won the World Series once, in 1980, and was named World Series MVP that year. He won ten Gold Glove Awards at third base. He led the NL in home runs eight times and in RBIs four times. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995 in his first year of eligibility.

Did You Know?

• Schmidt was electrocuted at age 5 when he touched a wire after climbing a tree; his heart stopped and he fell, restarting his heart.
• He was a lifeguard at the Philipps Aquatic Club, founded by his great-grandfather in 1865.
• Schmidt hit four home runs in a single game on April 17, 1976.
• He was the first player in baseball history to surpass $500,000 annually, signing a contract for $561,500 per year in 1977.
• Schmidt's 404 assists in 1974 remains a record for NL third basemen.