SHOPPING » Look for Dave Mlicki books at BN.com » Look for Dave Mlicki books at Amazon.com Your purchases keep BaseballLibrary.com online. Thank you!

RELATED LINKS

Whatever else happened in Mlicki's career, he always had the memory of shutting out the Yankees on July 27, 1997, the first-ever regular season game between the Mets and their cross-town rivals. Using well-placed fastballs and curves, he kept the champs off-balance and showed flashes of the prime-time talent that the Mets had waited for for nearly three seasons.

Pitching well after the July break was common for Mlicki. He was a batter's delight in the first half, allowing them to hit over .350 against him through the 2000 season. But by the time the last fan filed out of the All-Star game, Mlicki had his game face on, slashing half a run from his ERA and holding batters to a .232 average during the late summer and fall.

The journeyman finally posted a strong year in 1999, going 14-11. Unfortunately 2000 was marked by a sinus infection that ultimately required season-ending surgery. In 2001 he was able to return to form, struggling with the Tigers, but putting together a five-game winning streak for the Houston Astros whom he joined mid-season.

Mlicki liked playing in Detroit, despite having to live in University of Michigan territory. Even though he attended Oklahoma State, the Columbus native was a huge supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes, and he wasn't truly happy in Michigan until his replica Ohio State helmet was hanging in his locker. (EPW)