Mike Squires Appreciation Day

I was given the task to commemorate Mike Squires last Major League game. Given the information of September 23rd as being the anniversary, I dug into the matter. What I found was interesting only to Mike Squires fans. First, the facts.

Mike spent all of his Major League career with the White Sox.

Mike's first game was on September 1, 1975.

Mike's first hit was on September 1, 1975 at home vs. the Royals.

He primarily played first base, but became the first left handed catcher since 1958, when he caught a game in the late innings in 1980.

In 1983, he became the first left handed third baseman in roughly fifty years.

He was a vital part of the 1983 championship season.

Mike's last Major League hit was on August 26, 1984 at home vs. the Royals.

Mike's last Major League plate appearance was on August 31, 1984.

Mike's last game in 1984 was on September 23.

Mike's last run scored was on September 23, 1985.

Mike's last game was on September 24, 1985.

Just looking at those numbers might seem odd. Mike had his first and last hit against the Royals at Comiskey Park. The biggest eye opener was the length of time between Mike's last hit and Mike's last game. Over one year.

Of course there is a valid explanation for that. Mike was released before the start of the 1985 season. He did not catch on with anyone else. When the Sox were looking for help, they signed Mike to a contract on September 1, 1985. He only played in two games in 1985. Both were late inning switches, where he did not get to bat. His last game was on September 24, 1985. That just goes to show that there are explanations for large gaps in a player's career.

Although Mike didn't go out with a bang, he always played hard. It's still a testimony that he stayed with one team in a career that spanned 11 years. Here's to you Mike. Thanks for giving us some thrills on the South Side.