Facts, Trivia, Memories and More about Mike Easler

Statistics

• League Leaders: Mike ranked third in the American League with 13 intentional walks in 1986, trailing George Brett and Wade Boggs.
• Mike's 78 RBI in 1986 were the second best total for one season in his career. His best of 91 came two years earlier in the 1984 season with the Boston Red Sox. His .302 average in 1986 was the fourth time he topped the .300 mark in a season where he had over 400 plate appearances. His .449 slugging percentage in 1986 was the second best mark he posted in a season with over 400 plate appearances.

Trivia

• Mike was acquired on March 23, 1986 for Don Baylor. I suppose it was sort of a watered-down version of the fabled Joe DiMaggio for Ted Williams trade. In this case the Yankees traded their solid hitting, right handed veteran DH for Boston's solid hitting, left handed veteran DH. It made sense in that both teams acquired hitters suited to their parks. But, while Mike had a solid year for the Yankees, Baylor drove in 94 runs and hit 31 HRs to lead Boston to the Pennant.