Mike Schmidt
Baseball · Hometown: Dayton, OH
- High school
- Fairview High School
- College
- Ohio University
- Pro team(s)
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Hall of Fame
- ⭐ National Baseball Hall of Fame
Michael Jack Schmidt was born on September 27, 1949, in Dayton, Ohio, and attended Fairview High School before going to Ohio University, where he was originally a shortstop before shifting to third base. Drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1971, Schmidt went on to become the greatest third baseman in baseball history by nearly any measure. He led the National League in home runs eight times, won three National League MVP awards (1980, 1981, 1986), and took home ten Gold Gloves for his defense at the hot corner. His combination of elite power — 548 career home runs, all with the Phillies — exceptional plate discipline, and Gold Glove defense made him the complete package. His defining moment came in the 1980 World Series, when he hit .381 with two home runs and six RBI to lead Philadelphia to its first-ever championship, earning World Series MVP honors. Schmidt spent his entire 18-year career with the Phillies and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995, his first year of eligibility, with 96.5% of the vote. Attended Fairview High School in Dayton, Ohio.