Saturday Spotlight: Mike Hargrove

Mike "Human Rain Delay" Hargrove played first base for the Cleveland Indians from 1979-1985. He managed the Indians from 1991-1999. Hargrove was born October 26, 1949 in Perryton, Texas. He went to Northwestern Oklahoma State University and was a 25th round draft pick in 1972 by the Texas Rangers. He made his MLB on April 7, 1974 with the Rangers. He spent 5 years with the Rangers. In his times with the Rangers he batted .295, a slugging percentage of .409, OBP .399, 380 runs, 730 hits, with 47 home runs, and 395 RBIs. He was Rookie of the Year in 1974 and was an All Star in 1975. He was traded to the San Diego Padres in 1978. He spent on year there and traded to the Indians in 1979. In Cleveland he had 388 runs, 860 hits, 33 home runs, 383 RBIs, batted .292, OBP of .396, and slugging percentage of .382. Life time Hargrove had a batting average of .290, OBP .396, slugging percentage .391, 783 runs, 1614 hits, 80 home runs, and 686 RBIs. Hargrove was given the nickname "Human Rain Delay" for his crazy ritual at the plate. He would first adjust his helmet, second adjust batting glove, third pull each sleeve of his jersey up an inch, and fourth wiping each hand on his uniform pants. He would do this ever time he stepped out of the batters box, sometimes more than once. After he stopped playing baseball he turned to managing. he managed the Indians from 1991-1999. He lead the Indians to five connective AL Central Division championships from 1995-1999 as well as two world series appearances in 1995 and 1997. After the Indians he went to manage the Baltimore Orioles (2000-2003) and Seattle Mariners (2005-2007). Today he is employed as an adviser with the Cleveland Indians.