When a minor leaguer moves up the all-time Minor League stats list, it usually means that said player is far removed from his elite prospect days. That is the case with Mike Hessman, the 37-year old primary designated hitter for the Detroit Tigers’ Toledo Mud Hens. He may not be near moving up to the big leagues, but that hasn’t stopped him from moving up the record lists.
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Hessman drilled two home runs in the series opener against the Gwinnett Braves this past Thursday. It was the 419th and 420th home run of his 19-year Minor League career. The two blasts moved him into a tie for sixth place on the all-time Minor League home run list. He tied Nick Cullop, a 24-year veteran of the Minor Leagues who never saw Triple-A.
"“I’ve never played the game to chase records like that,” Hessman told friend of Grading on the Curve, Jake Seiner of MiLB.com. “I wasn’t aware [I was close]. People mention things about chasing other numbers. I don’t pay much attention to the numbers. I have no idea where I’m at on the all-time list. Once my career is over, maybe I’ll go back and look. Right now, I just go out and have fun and compete.”"
Last season, Hessman hit 28 home runs for the Mud Hens. His 15th home run on June 30th last year was also exciting. It was the 259th home run of his International League career. No one has hit more home runs in the history of the International League. Hessman is the home run king of one league and is now targeting the all time mark.
"“It was awesome,” Hessman told Seiner last year after the record setting blast. “After I hit it, the whole team came out there outside the dugout to congratulate me, high-fives and hugs all around.“It’s been good, been fun the whole process of going after it. It was nice to see my teammates celebrating and have a good time with it.”"
Where does Hessman stand for the all-time mark? Does he have a chance?
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He is 37-years old, so one has to assume that his production will fall off, but he has been a model of consistency over his career. Hessman has hit 35, 25 and 28 home runs over the past three seasons, so he doesn’t look like age or injuries are going to slow him down.
Hector Espinosa is the all-time leader with 484 home runs. 64 home runs is a lot for a 37-year old, but it isn’t out of the question that should Hessman play until he is 40 that he could do it. It certainly will be exciting to watch how it unfolds.
Hessman is currently the active Minor League leader in runs scored (1045), hits (1675), doubles (381), home runs, RBI (1159) and total bases (3360). While his Major League numbers (.188 batting average, 14 home runs) may not be the numbers dreams are made of, Hessman can hang his hat on an amazing Minor League career. Should he set the home run mark, he will certainly be remembered.