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Michigan State player Mike Ericson did much for his team in spring 1990, serving as both a relief pitcher and designated hitter, The Lansing State Journal wrote.
His efforts even included collisions at the plate, The State Journal wrote.
"Helping the team in any way that I can," Ericson told The State Journal that May. "I'll do anything."
Ericson eventually did enough to turn pro and play five seasons. He topped out at AA. He then went on to use his knowledge of both sides of the game in a long career as a scout.
Ericson's career began in 1990, taken by the independent high-A Miami Miracle in the 16th round of the draft out of Michigan State.
Ericson started with the Miracle that summer as a pitcher. He saw 25 games, one start, and went 2-2, with a 4.00 ERA.
He returned to Miami for 1991 and saw eight starts, going 1-3, with a 2.70 ERA. That August, Ericson and the Miracle played their first game at the new state-of-the-art Homestead Sports Complex, a complex that would be destroyed in Hurricane Andrew just a year later.
"This is the big leagues right here. This is what it's all about," Ericson told The Miami Herald of the complex. "It's compatible with all the other spring training sites."
Ericson moved to the Rockies for 1992, among the first group of players in the new organization. He played 1992 at high-A Visalia and returned there in 1993. For 1994, he played at AA New Haven. He saw 13 outings there to end his career.
Ericson soon continued with the Rockies, as a scout. In June 1997, Ericson explained his role to The Arizona Republic, including being honest with young players.
"I try and be as honest as I can," Ericson told The Republic. "We grade everything on a major-league level and if something's not up to those standards, that's just the way it is."
- Lansing State Journal, May 3, 1990: Pitching or hitting, senior Mike Ericson can answer the call
- Miami Herald, Aug. 21, 1991: Homestead's new stadium earns praise
- Arizona Republic, June 8, 1997: A taste for 'the Bigs'
Made the Majors:1,387-32.5%
Never Made Majors:2,880-67.5%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:563
10+ Seasons in the Minors:347
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