Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Mike Boddicker

Michael James Boddicker (born August 23, 1957) is an American former (MLB) pitcher who played for 14 seasons from 1980 to 1993, primarily as a right-handed starter for the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, , and Milwaukee Brewers. Over his career, he compiled a 134–116 win–loss record with a 3.80 (ERA), 1,330 strikeouts, and 2,123⅔ in 342 games (309 starts). Boddicker's most notable achievements include earning the () Award in 1983 as a , where he threw a complete-game with 14 strikeouts in Game 2 against the —the first by a in ALCS history—and helping the Orioles win the against the Philadelphia Phillies. Born in , Boddicker excelled in high school baseball at Norway High School, setting Iowa state records with 76 wins and 1,122 strikeouts over four seasons. After attending the , where he contributed as a and hitter for the Hawkeyes, he was selected by in the sixth round of the MLB Draft. Boddicker debuted in MLB with in but established himself as a rotation mainstay in 1983, posting a 16–8 record with five shutouts and finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. His breakout season came in 1984, when he led the AL with a 2.79 ERA, recorded 20 wins (tied for the league lead), threw 261⅓ innings, and earned an selection while placing fourth in voting. Midway through the 1988 season, Boddicker was traded from to the Red Sox in a deal that sent prospects including to , marking the start of his time in the rival. With from 1988 to 1990, he added a in 1990 for his fielding prowess as a . He later signed with the for the 1991–1992 campaigns and concluded his career with the Brewers in 1993, where he mentored younger pitchers while maintaining a veteran presence in the rotation. Known for his control and ability to induce ground balls without an overpowering , Boddicker's consistent strike-throwing and durability defined his journeyman career across four franchises.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Michael James Boddicker was born on August 23, 1957, in . He was the youngest of five children born to ("Bus") Boddicker and Dolly Boddicker. His father worked as a traveling operator, grinding feed for on local farms, before later serving as a custodian at the local elementary school. Dolly Boddicker was a homemaker who supported the family's close-knit household in rural . Boddicker was raised in the small town of Norway, Iowa, a community of around 600 residents known for its agricultural roots and strong emphasis on local sports. Growing up in this rural environment, he experienced the rhythms of farm life, including the demands of seasonal labor and community interdependence, which instilled a disciplined from an early age. The Boddicker family home was situated near fields where children often played, fostering a sense of perseverance and hands-on responsibility amid the simplicity of Midwestern small-town living. Boddicker's initial exposure to baseball came through his family's involvement and the tight-knit local community in . He followed his older brothers, Butch and , onto neighborhood diamonds and community fields, where informal games sparked his passion for the sport. This early play in rural leagues emphasized fundamentals and teamwork, laying the groundwork for his development while highlighting the town's tradition of excellence.

Amateur baseball career

Mike Boddicker developed his skills at Norway High School in , , where he established himself as one of the state's premier prep pitchers. Over four years, he compiled a 76-13 record, setting Iowa high school records with 1,122 career strikeouts and 76 victories while maintaining a 0.64 across 617 . As a hitter, Boddicker batted .397 with 221 RBIs and 72 stolen bases in over 200 games, contributing to two state championships and three World Series appearances from 1974 to 1976. His coach, Jim Van Scoyoc, noted Boddicker's two-way prowess, which helped lead the Tigers to consistent success in rural competition. Following his junior year, Boddicker was selected by the Montreal Expos in the eighth round (178th overall) of the 1975 MLB Draft out of Norway High School. Despite the opportunity, he declined to sign, opting instead to attend the University of Iowa to further his education and baseball development, a decision influenced by his family's emphasis on higher education in his small-town upbringing. At the from 1976 to 1978, Boddicker excelled as a for the Hawkeyes, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 1978 and third-team All-Big Ten recognition as an infielder in 1976. As a in 1976, he set a school single-season record of 0.79 and recorded nine doubles, while his sophomore year featured 8 wins, 65 , and 84 strikeouts. In his junior season of 1978, Boddicker led the NCAA with 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings, batted .350 with nine doubles, and contributed 68 strikeouts, showcasing his versatility in hitting and fielding. Over his college career, he established a Hawkeyes record with six shutouts. Boddicker's standout college performance culminated in his selection by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round (152nd overall) of the 1978 MLB Draft. This pick marked the transition from his amateur success to , where his command and strikeout ability had drawn scouts' attention throughout his Hawkeyes tenure.

Major League career

Baltimore Orioles

Mike Boddicker was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round of the 1978 MLB June Amateur Draft and signed with the team shortly thereafter. His minor league career began that year with the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles before advancing rapidly to Double-A Charlotte in the Southern League and reaching Triple-A Rochester Red Wings in the International League by the end of the season. In 1979, he split time between Charlotte and Rochester, posting a combined 11-7 record with a 3.14 ERA, and spent the entire 1980 season at Rochester, where he went 11-7 with a 3.65 ERA, demonstrating steady progression through the Orioles' system. Boddicker made his major league debut with the Orioles on October 4, 1980, allowing one run in five innings of a 6-4 loss to the California Angels. He appeared in just one game that year, followed by two relief outings in 1981 and seven mostly in relief during 1982, compiling a 1-3 record with a 4.47 across those limited opportunities. It was not until 1983 that Boddicker secured a full-time starting role, emerging as a key contributor to ' success. In 1983, his rookie season as a regular starter, Boddicker posted a 16-8 record with a 2.77 over 27 starts, including five that tied for the lead. He played a pivotal role in the postseason, earning ALCS honors after going 2-0 with a 1.74 in two starts against the , highlighted by a 14-strikeout in Game 2. In the , Boddicker pitched a in a 4-1 victory in Game 2 against the Phillies, allowing one run over 9 innings to help even the series at 1-1; the Orioles went on to win the championship 4-1. Boddicker's breakout came in 1984, when he led the with 20 wins and a 2.79 , finishing 20-11 over 34 starts with 261⅓ and 128 strikeouts, earning his first selection. His performance anchored ' rotation amid a transitional year for the team, which finished 85-77 and fifth in the East. Over his nine seasons with from 1980 to 1988, Boddicker compiled an 79-73 record with a 3.73 in 190 appearances, primarily as a starter, establishing himself as a reliable mid-rotation presence during Baltimore's competitive era. However, his tenure ended amid struggles in 1988, as he endured an 0-8 start in his first eight decisions with a 5.83 before the team traded him to the Red Sox on July 29 for prospects and .

Boston Red Sox

Following his trade from the Baltimore Orioles to the Boston Red Sox on July 29, 1988, in exchange for prospects and , Boddicker provided an immediate boost to the Red Sox . In 17 appearances (14 starts) with Boston that season, he compiled a 7-3 record with a 2.63 ERA over 89 innings, contributing significantly to the team's surge to the title. His strong finish helped stabilize the pitching staff during a pivotal late-season stretch. Boddicker remained a consistent starter for the Red Sox in 1989 and 1990, posting a combined 32-19 record with a 3.70 across 439.2 . In 1989, he went 15-11 with a 4.00 in 35 starts and 211.2 , providing reliable depth amid a competitive division race. The following year, he excelled with a 17-8 mark, 3.36 , and career-high 143 strikeouts in 34 starts and 228 , anchoring the rotation as captured another East crown. His workload underscored his durability, logging over 200 in each of those seasons. Over his three seasons with the Red Sox (1988-1990), Boddicker amassed a 39-22 record with a 3.50 in 83 appearances (all starts except three), totaling 528.2 innings. He earned the at in for his defensive prowess, tying for the league lead with six putouts and ranking third with 29 assists. Boddicker appeared in the postseason with Boston twice during this period, though the team was swept in both AL Championship Series by the . In Game 3 of the 1988 ALCS on October 8, he struggled, allowing six earned runs in just 2.2 for the loss. Two years later, in Game 3 of the 1990 ALCS on October 8, he delivered a , surrendering one earned run over eight but still taking the loss in a 4-1 defeat.

Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers

After signing as a with the on November 21, 1990, Boddicker opened the 1991 season as a key member of their rotation. He posted a 12-12 record with a 4.08 over 29 starts and 180.2 , contributing to a Royals team that finished second in the . This performance marked a solid transition from his time in , though it reflected a slight dip from the consistent 200-plus innings he had logged in each of his final three seasons with the Red Sox. Boddicker's role diminished in 1992 amid ongoing struggles with command and effectiveness, as he went 1-4 with a 4.98 in 29 appearances, including just 8 starts and 86.2 innings for the . The sold his contract to the Brewers on April 26, 1993, before he made any regular-season appearances for them that year. With the Brewers, Boddicker transitioned to a starting role but faced challenges with a 3-5 record and 5.67 across 10 starts and 54 . His final major league appearance came on June 13, 1993, against the Yankees at , where he took the loss after surrendering 5 earned runs over 2⅓ innings. On July 15, 1993, Boddicker announced his retirement at age 35, citing the physical toll of his 14-year career as he concluded his professional playing days. Over his 14 seasons from 1980 to 1993, Boddicker compiled a 134-116 record with a 3.80 ERA, 1,330 strikeouts, and 2,123.2 across four teams.

Playing style and achievements

Signature pitches

Mike Boddicker was a right-handed standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 172 pounds, who throughout his career emphasized pinpoint and over raw to neutralize hitters. His typically ranged from 85 to 88 , allowing him to rely on movement and timing disruption rather than overpowering speed. This approach enabled him to maintain effectiveness into his mid-30s, frustrating opponents by keeping them off balance through varied arm angles and pitch sequencing. Boddicker's signature pitch was the "fosh ball," a hybrid off-speed offering that combined elements of a grip with the movement of a seam , typically thrown at 75 to 80 miles per hour to induce weak contact and ground balls. He gripped it by spreading his index and middle fingers slightly across the seams while wrapping his ring and pinky fingers around the ball, resulting in a slight screwball-like break that made the pitch appear to fade or unexpectedly. Developed during his college days at the , the fosh ball earned its name from Orioles pitching coach Ray Miller as a blend of "forkball" and "fish," evoking its deceptive, almost lifeless trajectory that disrupted hitters' timing. It gained widespread attention in 1988 after Boddicker's trade to the Boston Red Sox, where it was described as a "glorified change-up" that seemed to "come up to the plate and go back to the mound," often leading to pop-ups and anxious swings. Complementing the fosh ball, Boddicker employed a sinking for ground-ball tendencies, a reliable to further vary speeds, and a sharp that ranked among the best of the 1980s for its bite and command. This arsenal, focused on off-speed deception, contributed to his career total of 1,330 strikeouts at a rate of 5.64 per nine , prioritizing contact management over high-volume whiffs. Over his career, Boddicker adapted by increasing his reliance on the fosh ball after , particularly following injuries like tendinitis and a finger tear in 1985-1986 that temporarily eroded his effectiveness and control. This shift helped compensate for a minor decline in velocity, allowing him to rebound effectively in 1988 with the Red Sox. Red Sox manager praised the pitch's impact, noting that it left power hitters "not only frustrating, it's embarrassing" when mixed with Boddicker's slower offerings. He notably deployed the fosh ball to great effect in the 1983 ALCS, baffling the in a 14-strikeout .

Key awards and records

Boddicker earned the award in 1983 after delivering a complete-game in Game 2 against the , allowing five hits and striking out 14 batters over nine innings in a 4-0 victory that helped the Baltimore Orioles advance to the . His performance in that single ALCS start contributed to his selection as for the series, where the Orioles won in four games. Boddicker also started Game 2 of the against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching another complete game with three hits allowed, one unearned run, and six strikeouts in a 4-1 win, aiding Baltimore's championship clinch in five games and earning him a title. In 1984, Boddicker was selected to the All-Star team, where he did not appear but represented as a top performer that season. He led the in wins with 20 and with 2.79 over 261.1 in 34 starts, finishing fourth in voting while posting a 20-11 record. Boddicker won the at pitcher in 1990 with the Boston Red Sox, with 27 assists and 58 total chances handled, while committing just two errors for a .966 fielding percentage. His 29 putouts that year also ranked highly among pitchers, underscoring his defensive reliability during a 17-8 season. Among his other notable records, Boddicker recorded a career-high five shutouts in 1983, tying for the lead and anchoring ' rotation during their pennant-winning campaign. His personal best for strikeouts in a season came in 1986 with 175, though he maintained consistent production across his career with 1,330 total strikeouts. As a key starter in the Orioles' title run, Boddicker went 16-8 with a 2.77 in the regular season before his postseason heroics, providing stability to a staff that included Hall of Famers and . He demonstrated remarkable durability throughout his career, pitching over 200 innings in seven consecutive seasons from 1984 to 1990, totaling more than 1,500 innings in that span and establishing himself as a reliable workhorse for and later .

Legacy and later life

Hall of Fame honors

Boddicker has been inducted into several halls of fame recognizing his professional and amateur achievements. In 2001, he was enshrined in the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame for his contributions to the team, including his role in the championship and his 20-win season in 1984. In 2000, he received induction into the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame. At the amateur level, Boddicker was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024, honoring his college career from 1976 to 1978, during which he set the school record with six shutouts and led the NCAA in strikeouts as a senior. Additionally, in 2021, he was part of the inaugural class inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, acknowledging his high school records at High School, such as 76 wins and 1,122 strikeouts. Boddicker appeared on the 1999 National Hall of Fame ballot but received no votes and was not elected.

Post-retirement activities

Following his retirement from after the 1993 season at age 36, Mike Boddicker returned to his roots, where he has maintained a low-profile life focused on and community ties in the Cedar Rapids area. He has continued to prioritize , building on his early years with his wife Lisa and their children. Boddicker remains active in media, serving as a frequent guest on broadcasts and podcasts. In the 2020 "Catching Up With" series on PressBox, he discussed his experiences and big-game pitching. He appeared again in a 2021 PressBox interview, addressing modern MLB challenges such as pitching workloads and team rebuilding efforts. These appearances highlight his ongoing connection to organization without pursuing formal broadcasting roles. In community efforts, Boddicker supports youth programs, including participation in the Kernels Foundation tournament to promote amateur play. He has also engaged in reunions, such as the 2023 40th-anniversary event at , where he shared memories with former teammates and fans. Additionally, he attends autograph events tied to these reunions and heritage celebrations. Boddicker has avoided coaching or front-office positions in , opting instead for occasional analytical contributions through interviews. In a 2009 Baseball Prospectus Q&A, he provided insights on off-speed pitches, including the effectiveness of his and the "fosh" variation against hitters.

References

  1. [1]
    Mike Boddicker Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
    Career Regular Season, 134, 116, 3.80, 342, 309, 3, 2123.2, 1330, 1.32. Stats. Career. Game Logs. Splits. Batter vs. Pitcher. MLB. Minors. Pitching. Batting.
  2. [2]
    Mike Boddicker Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
    Mike Boddicker ; WAR. 31.3. W. 134. L. 116. ERA. 3.80 ; G. 342. GS. 309. SV. 3 ; IP. 2123.2. SO. 1330. WHIP. 1.320.
  3. [3]
    1983 ALCS - Baltimore Orioles over Chicago White Sox (3-1)
    1983 ALCS Baltimore Orioles over Chicago White Sox (3-1) ; WS MVP · Rick Dempsey ; NLCS MVP · Gary Matthews ; ALCS MVP · Mike Boddicker.
  4. [4]
    Mike Boddicker - Society for American Baseball Research
    Jan 4, 2012 · Boddicker's performance at Iowa impressed scout Joe Bowman, and the Orioles drafted him in the sixth round of the 1978 draft. The 20-year-old ...
  5. [5]
    Mike Boddicker | Baseball Wiki | Fandom
    He was the youngest of five children to Harold and Dolly. His father, who was commonly known as Bus, operated a travelling hammermill for grain milling before ...Missing: upbringing parents
  6. [6]
    He Has Returned To His Roots - Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com
    Dec 19, 1983 · ... Mike Boddicker of the Baltimore Orioles and Norway, Iowa. Having ... Mike's father, Harold—or Bus, as he was commonly known—was second ...Missing: upbringing | Show results with:upbringing
  7. [7]
    https://www.norwaybaseball.com/index_htm_files/Mike%20Boddicker.htm
  8. [8]
    Boddicker Enjoys Trip Home for Kernels Tournament - Perfect Game
    Boddicker has lived in Overland Park, Kan., since he retired from pro baseball in 1993, but he returned to his roots for the Kernels Foundation tournament as an ...Missing: rural | Show results with:rural
  9. [9]
    Mike Boddicker - BR Bullpen - Baseball-Reference.com
    Feb 4, 2025 · He was drafted by the Montreal Expos out of high school in the 1975 amateur draft, but chose to enroll at the University of Iowa instead.Missing: father Harold<|separator|>
  10. [10]
    #CardCorner: 1984 Donruss Mike Boddicker | Baseball Hall of Fame
    Boddicker set Iowa state high school records with 1,122 strikeouts and 76 wins and was also a fine hitter. The Expos selected him in the eighth round of the ...
  11. [11]
    Mike Boddicker – Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame
    Mike Boddicker's career in Major League Baseball was defined by his pitching. When he was at Iowa, however, he did just about everything for the Hawkeyes.
  12. [12]
    Mike Boddicker - Iowa Hawkeyes Player Profile | Baseball
    He had a school-record 0.79 ERA in 1976 and had a school-record six career shutouts. He led the team in innings and strikeouts in 1978 and 1979 and led the ...
  13. [13]
    Orioles 1978 Major League Baseball Draft | MLB.com
    1978, SS, Texas A&M. 6, 152, Mike Boddicker · Orioles, 1978, RHP, Iowa. 7, 178, Don Welchel · Orioles, 1978, RHP, Sam Houston State · Statcast Glossary. Batting.
  14. [14]
    Mike Boddicker Minor Leagues Statistics | Baseball-Reference.com
    Draft: Drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 8th round of the 1975 MLB June Amateur Draft from Norway HS (Norway, IA) and the Baltimore Orioles in the 6th round ...
  15. [15]
    1983 World Series - Baltimore Orioles over Philadelphia Phillies (4-1)
    1983 World Series Baltimore Orioles over Philadelphia Phillies (4-1) ; WS MVP · Rick Dempsey ; NLCS MVP · Gary Matthews ; ALCS MVP · Mike Boddicker.Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  16. [16]
    1984 Baltimore Orioles Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com
    1984 Baltimore Orioles Statistics. 1983 Season 1985 Season. Record: 85-77, Finished 5th in AL_East (Schedule and Results). Manager: Joe Altobelli (85-77).Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  17. [17]
    Baseball; Red Sox Acquire Orioles' Boddicker - The New York Times
    Jul 30, 1988 · Boddicker, a 20-game winner in 1984, began this season as the Orioles did - miserably. His first eight starts produced a 0-8 record and a 5.83 ...
  18. [18]
    1988 Major League Transactions - Baseball-Reference.com
    July 29, 1988. The Baltimore Orioles traded Mike Boddicker to the Boston Red Sox for Brady Anderson and Curt Schilling. July 30, 1988. The Philadelphia ...
  19. [19]
    https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/mike-boddicker
  20. [20]
    1990 American League Fielding Leaders - Baseball-Reference.com
    5. Boddicker • BOS, 1.65. Show #2-5. Fielding % as P. 1. Anderson • MIN, 1.000 ... Minor League Stats, College Baseball Stats, Black Baseball Stats, Nippon ...
  21. [21]
    Gold Glove Award Winners | History - MLB.com
    Gold Glove. Given out since 1957, the Gold Glove honors the best defenders ... 1990, Mike Boddicker, Boston, P. 1990, Sandy Alomar Jr. Cleveland, C. 1990, Mark ...
  22. [22]
    1988 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 3 ...
    Oct 8, 1988 · ... Mike Boddicker (0-1) • SV: Dennis Eckersley (3). Boston Red Sox ... League statistics provided by Pete Palmer and Gary Gillette of Hidden Game ...
  23. [23]
    1990 ALCS - Oakland Athletics over Boston Red Sox (4-0)
    Mike Moore (1-0). L, Mike Boddicker (0-1). S, Dennis Eckersley (2). Game 4, October 10. Boston Red Sox, 1, Final · Oakland Athletics, 3. W, Dave Stewart (2-0).Missing: performance | Show results with:performance
  24. [24]
    Sports of The Times; Mike Boddicker And His Fosh Ball
    Oct 9, 1988 · When he left the Orioles, he took with him a 6-12 record with a 3.86 earned run average. He was 7-3 with the Red Sox, with a 2.69 earned run ...
  25. [25]
    INSIDE PITCH - Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com
    Jun 27, 1983 · While vainly attempting to develop a proper forkball grip, Boddicker came up with a delivery that slips out of his hand, rotates slightly and ...Missing: fosh | Show results with:fosh
  26. [26]
    Mike Boddicker Stats, Height, Weight, Research & History
    Jan 8, 2025 · Mike Boddicker stats, height, weight, career totals, schools, positions, and more historical research are in the Baseball Almanac.
  27. [27]
    Prospectus Q&A: Mike Boddicker
    Nov 29, 2009 · In a big-league career that stretched from 1980-1993, the right-handed Boddicker made his living tantalizing hitters with a dizzying array of off-speed ...Missing: exposure | Show results with:exposure
  28. [28]
    https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1984-pitching-leaders.shtml
  29. [29]
    1990 American League Pitcher | Baseball-Reference.com
    Mike Boddicker, 32, BOS, 34, 34, 4, 228.0, 58, 29, 27, 2, 6 .966, 2.21, 1.65, 13, 10, 43%, 1. 32, Brian Bohanon, 21, TEX, 11, 6, 0, 34.0, 11, 1, 10, 0, 2, 1.000 ...
  30. [30]
    1983 Baltimore Orioles Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com
    1983 Baltimore Orioles Statistics ; Record: 98-64, Finished 1st in AL_East (Schedule and Results) ; Postseason: Won World Series (4-1) over Philadelphia PhilliesMissing: debut | Show results with:debut
  31. [31]
    Growing up and older with baseball - Iowa City Press-Citizen
    Feb 6, 2018 · Mike Boddicker speaks at a baseball banquet in Cedar Rapids, recalling growing up in Norway and playing in the Major Leagues.Missing: family upbringing Harold Dolly
  32. [32]
    Catching Up With Former Orioles Pitcher Mike Boddicker - PressBox
    Aug 11, 2020 · Stan “The Fan” Charles and Ross Grimsley talk with former Orioles pitcher Mike Boddicker about the 1983 World Series and what made him such ...Missing: guest | Show results with:guest<|separator|>
  33. [33]
    Talking Baseball With Former Orioles Pitcher Mike Boddicker
    Apr 20, 2021 · Stan “The Fan” Charles and Ross Grimsley talk with former Orioles pitcher Mike Boddicker about his career in Baltimore and the challenges facing MLB teams and ...
  34. [34]
    It's a weekend of Orioles reunions - WMAR
    Aug 4, 2023 · "1983, it was just a great year. We were like family. Our whole team was family," said 1983 champ Mike Boddicker. "We were together for a ...
  35. [35]
    Orioles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of 1983 World Series title
    Jul 25, 2023 · The Orioles will celebrate the 40 th Anniversary of the 1983 World Series title with a special pregame ceremony on Saturday, August 5.