Michael Atwater Witt, born on July 20, 1960, in Fullerton, California, carved out a notable career as a professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Playing for the California Angels and New York Yankees between 1981 and 1993, Witt's career is most famously punctuated by his perfect game in 1984. However, his contributions extended beyond that singular achievement, including multiple All-Star selections and consistent performance
that made him a key figure for the Angels during his tenure. His journey from a young talent to a respected MLB pitcher showcases a blend of natural ability and strategic development.
Early Development and MLB Debut
Witt's baseball journey began early, playing Little League Baseball at age nine. A pivotal moment in his development came at age ten when his oldest brother taught him how to throw a curveball, a pitch that would become a primary weapon in his arsenal. This early mastery of a sophisticated pitch, combined with a good fastball, set the stage for his professional career. He was drafted by the California Angels in the fourth round in June 1978.
At just 20 years old, Witt made his MLB debut with the California Angels on April 11, 1981. His rookie season, though shortened by a Major League Baseball strike, saw him post an 8-9 record with a 3.28 ERA. Despite a stumble in his third season, finishing 7-14 with a 4.91 ERA, he sought to refine his skills by playing for the Tiburones de La Guaira in the Venezuelan League, where he achieved a strong 7-1 record. This period of development proved crucial for his breakout year.
The Breakout Season and Perfect Game
Witt's breakout season arrived in 1984. He finished the year with a 15-11 record for the Angels, demonstrating his growing prowess on the mound. A significant highlight of this season, prior to his perfect game, was on July 23, when he struck out 16 Seattle Mariners during a complete game five-hitter. However, the pinnacle of his 1984 season, and indeed his career, came on September 30, the final day of the season. Against the Texas Rangers at Arlington Stadium, Witt pitched the 11th perfect game in baseball history, needing only 94 pitches and striking out 10 batters.
This perfect game was a testament to his skill and composure, especially given that both teams were out of playoff contention, leading to a relaxed atmosphere for Witt. He recalled feeling "nice and loosey-goosey" due to the perfect weather conditions. This historic performance solidified his place in baseball lore and marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his ability to dominate at the highest level.
Sustained Success and Later Career
Following his perfect game, Witt continued to be a dominant force for the Angels. From 1984 to 1987, he consistently led the team in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched, and complete games. His best season was arguably 1986, where he compiled 18 wins and an impressive 2.84 earned run average, earning him the team's Most Valuable Player award. He finished third in the American League Cy Young Award voting that year, behind Roger Clemens and Teddy Higuera, and played a crucial role in guiding the Angels to within one strike of the World Series.
Witt was also a two-time MLB All-Star, earning selections in 1986 and 1987. In addition to his perfect game, he participated in a combined no-hitter on April 11, 1990, pitching the final two innings alongside starter Mark Langston. This made him the only pitcher to pitch in relief in a no-hitter while also having thrown a full no-hitter. He played for the Angels until 1990 before being traded to the New York Yankees, where he finished his career in 1993, concluding with a career record of 117-116, a 3.83 ERA, and 1,373 strikeouts.
