Last night I went to see my local team, Toledo Mud Hens, play a game. I've been to 8 games this
year and enjoy the games win or lose. Sitting in the stands, I spied the Mike Hessman Home Run Alley
sign and wondered if many baseball fans know Mike Hessman's story.
Mike was a draft pick of the Atlanta braves. He played for 6 different Braves affiliates. Other minor
league teams included Louisville Bats, Buffalo Bisons and the Mud Hens. He also played for the Tigres
de Aragua and the Tomateros de Culiacan in the Winter leagues as well as the Orix Buffaloes in Japan.
Major league teams were the Braves, Mets and the Tigers. Mike broke Buzz Arlett's (Oakland
Oaks)record of Minor League HR's with his 433rd in 2015.
Mike's other accomplishments include playing for Team USA in the 2009 Olympics, International
League MVP and playing all 9 positions for the Mud Hens. Started as catcher and finished pitching
the 9th inning. It didn't turn out too well as he blew a save and lost the game. I saw Mike in the dugout
last night. He is the current Hitting Coach for the Mud Hens.
