Mickey Cochrane
Inducted:
1947
Personal Details
5-10, 180lb (178cm, 81kg)
Born:
April 6, 1903
Bridgewater, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died:
June 28, 1962
Lake Forest, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Catcher
Manager
College:
Boston University
Mickey Cochrane was one of baseball’s greatest catchers and a natural leader on and off the field. A fierce competitor with a sharp baseball mind, Cochrane led both the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers to World Series titles.
Behind the plate, he was a steady, agile defender with a strong arm. At bat, Cochrane hit for average and got on base consistently, finishing with a .320 career average — among the best for catchers. As a player-manager with Detroit, he guided the Tigers to back-to-back pennants in 1934 and 1935, winning it all in ’35.
His career was tragically shortened by a head injury from a pitch in 1937, but his impact was already undeniable. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1947, Cochrane remains a benchmark for leadership, grit, and excellence in catching.
Cochrane's Awards and Records
- 2× All-Star (1934, 1935)
- 3× World Series champion (1929, 1930, 1935)
- 2× AL MVP (1928, 1934)
- 5× AL Pennant Winner
- Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame
- Athletics Hall of Fame
- Career OBP of .419 – one of the highest among catchers
- .320 Career Batting Average – highest for a Hall of Fame catcher
- Player-Manager for Detroit Tigers (1934–1938)
- Led Tigers to World Series win as manager in 1935
- Known as “Black Mike” for his intensity and competitive spirit
- Inducted into National Baseball Hall of Fame (1947)
MLB Teams:
As player
Philadelphia Athletics (1925–1933)
Detroit Tigers (1934–1937)
As manager
Detroit Tigers (1934–1938)
Number Worn:
2
MLB Stats
Seasons:
13 (1925–1937)
Games Played:
1,482
Batting Average:
.320
Hits:
1,652
Home Runs:
119
RBIs:
830
Runs Scored:
1,041
On-Base Percentage (OBP):
.419
Managerial record:
348–250
Winning %
.582