The 100 Greatest Colorado Rockies: 66 Mike Myers

To start his career, Mike Myers never resembled the Hollywood’s Michael Myers. In other words there was nothing intimidating about his record in the big leagues. That was until he started throwing as a submarine pitcher.

Myers numbers were pedestrian coming up through the minor leagues where he was used primarily as a starting pitcher for six years. He was drafted by the Giants but never played for the team. He made his major league debut with the Marlins .

He was traded in the same year to the Detroit Tigers. Nothing started well for Myers 1-9 between 1996 and 1997. That’s when Hall of Fame Al Kaline suggested he change his delivery to sidearm. He was traded to the Brewers and dropped his ERA from 5.70 in 1997 to 2.70 in 1998.

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But it wasn’t 2000 that it all came together when Myers his first season with the Colorado Rockies. That was his best year of his career when he pitched 45.1 innings with 41 strikeouts and  a 1.99 ERA. The next year he pitched similarly well when he earned a 3.60 ERA in 40 innings and 36 strikeouts. Overall he had a 3.9 WAR with the Rockies.

Throwing sidearm redefined Myers’ career and possibly added another decade to his playing time. It became a method of deception. It was especially effective against left-handed hitters. He became a specialist out of the bullpen. The unusual delivery did not hamper his health as he pitched at least 60 games every year excluding his rookie year.

You have to see it to believe it. Check out Mike Myers delivery here.

He was traded to the Diamondbacks in 2002 for JD Closser and Jack Cust. His performance dwindled in Arizona and singed with the Mariners in 2004. He was claimed off waivers in August of that year by the Boston Red Sox. They just happened to break a curse that year and Myers earned a World Series ring. He joined the Yankees in 2006, because that seems like the natural progression of everyone who played for the Red Sox. He finished his career with the White Sox in 2007. In 2009 Myers was hired by the Major League Baseball Players Association.

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By making himself uncomfortable and embracing something untraditional, Myers saved his career and became one of the best left-handed relievers in Rockies history.