Mickey Tettleton

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Mickey Lee Tettleton (born September 16, 1960 in Oklahoma City, OK), was a Major League Baseball player for the Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers. Tettleton played at catcher, designated hitter, first base, and outfield. In fourteen major league seasons, Tettleton played 1485 games and hit at a .241 average, hit 245 home runs, had 732 RBI, and scored 711 runs.

Tettleton was recognized by his unusual batting stance: he stood almost straight up at the plate, bending only when the pitcher began his delivery. He was also distinguished by the huge wad of chewing tobacco he kept in his cheek during games.

Tettleton was named to two all-star teams as a member of the Detroit Tigers in 1989 and 1994. He was regarded as one of the best hitting catchers in the American League, winning three Silver Slugger Awards at the position in 1989, 1991 and 1992.^{[citation needed]} Tettleton hit over 30 home runs four times in his career (1991-31/1992-32/1993-32/1995-32), and was also known for his patience at the plate: he accumulated 949 career walks, which lead to a career .369 on-base percentage despite his .241 career batting average. Tettleton led the American League in 1992 with 122 walks and finished in the top ten in six other seasons, including second three times. But his selective style at the plate, combined with his power hitting mentality also led to Tettleton's 1,307 career strike-outs, 89th on baseball's all-time list.^{[citation needed]} His 1,132 hits, 245 home runs, 732 RBIs and 949 walks marked him one of the most productive offensive catchers of the early 90.