Detroit Tigers Mike Hessman Sets MiLB Home Run Record
By David Hill
It is odd to think of someone with a total of 250 major league plate appearances as a baseball legend. This is especially true when you look at their career .188/.272/.422 batting line. Yet, the Detroit Tigers minor league veteran Mike Hessman has been a legendary slugger during his 19 year baseball career.
Last night, Hessman etched his name into the minor league record books in grand style. Stepping to the plate with the bases loaded, and tied with minor league legend Buzz Arlett for the minor league home run record, Hessman launched a 2-0 pitch from Dustin McGowan over the fence in left center wall for a grand slam, his 433rd home run of his career.
At age 37, Hessman has continued his power stroke. His .217/.332/.432 batting line may not seem impressive, but Hessman’s 16 home runs this season are tied with Matt Davidson for third in the International League. Hessman may not be the hitter that he once was, but he can still hit the long ball.
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At this point, Mike Hessman’s days as a prospect have long since faded away. He has not been in the majors since 2010, when he produced a .127/.262/.255 batting line with one home run in 65 plate appearances. In fact, Hessman is not even on the Detroit Tigers 40 man roster, so the chances of his making another major league appearance would seem remote at best.
That does not, however, discount the career that Hessman has had. His career, spread across five different minor league systems, Mexico and Japan, has been impressive. Hessman has been a great power hitter, and someone that, given his status and long career, could almost be another coach on the field. As someone that could help mentor younger players on the cusp of reaching the majors, Hessman is certainly a valuable player for more than his ability to hit the home run.
Mike Hessman has etched his name into the minor league history books, doing so in a way that is truly memorable. Perhaps some day, he will get another chance to play in the majors leagues, be it with the Detroit Tigers or another team.