Mickey Weston returned from disappointing ML start to see time in five seasons

Originally published May 20, 2012

Mickey Weston got his chance in 1992 with the Phillies, starting against the Expos in June. Weston, though, couldn't take advantage, failing to out of the fourth inning, giving up five earned runs and taking the loss.

"It's definitely disappointing," Weston told The Philadelphia Inquirer afterward. "I'm not desperate, I'm not depressed. But you don't get a lot of opportunities to show what you can do, so when you get one you don't like to blow it."

Weston got his chances in the majors, but his chances were generally brief. Over a major league career that spanned five seasons, Weston only got into a total of 23 games, three of them starts.

Though he made the majors, it took Weston into his eighth season to get there for the first time.

Weston's career began in 1982, taken by the Mets in the 12th round, out of Eastern Michigan University.

He played his first year at short-season Little Falls, moving to single-A Columbia in 1983. He first made AA Jackson in 1986, then AAA Tidewater in 1988.

For 1989, Weston signed with the Orioles, the team that first brought him to the bigs. Starting at AAA Rochester, Weston made Baltimore in June. In seven relief outings, Weston gave up eight earned runs in 13 innings of work. But he also picked up a save in his first outing and a win in his second.

In that win, Weston came in early, in the bottom of the first, soon having to hold a 5-0 deficit. Weston worked four innings, giving up an earned run. By the time he was done, that five-run deficit turned into a three-run lead.

"This is something I've dreamed of for so long," Weston told The Associated Press after making it to Baltimore and picking up his save.

Weston got to live that dream again in 1990, called up for nine outings, two of them starts. He went 21 innings, giving up 18 earned runs. He also picked up his first loss.

For 1991, Weston moved to the Blue Jays in a trade. He got into two games, both in relief. He didn't give up a run. He then returned to the majors with the Phillies for just that one game in 1992.

He got his final opportunity in the bigs with the team that originally drafted him, the Mets in 1993. With the Mets, Weston got four relief appearances, ending his big league career.

Weston, though, continued playing into 1996, going through the Rockies, Tigers and Marlins systems.

Weston has gone on to coach a season in the minors, with single-A Columbia in 1999.

More recently, Weston serves as chaplain for the White Sox and as international director for the group Unlimited Potential Inc., an organization dedicated to "Serving Christ through baseball," according to its Web site.

• Houston Chronicle, Associated Press, June 20, 1989: O's keep on getting boost from minors
• Owosso Argus-Press, Associated Press, June 21, 1989: Orioles' Rally Makes Weston A Major Winner
• Philadelphia Inquirer, June 25, 1992: Kruk's Return Sees Expos Blow Out Phils

More: 1990 Rochester Red Wings