Mike Harkey
Michael Anthony Harkey (born October 25, 1966) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and coach in Major League Baseball (MLB).[1][2] Drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 1987 MLB amateur draft out of California State University, Fullerton, Harkey debuted in the majors with the Cubs in 1988 and went on to play for five teams over a nine-year career, compiling a 36–36 record with a 4.49 earned run average (ERA) and 316 strikeouts in 656 innings pitched.[1][3][2] His most successful season came in 1990, when he posted a 12–6 record with a 3.26 ERA in 27 starts for the Cubs, earning consideration as a promising starter before shoulder injuries curtailed his potential.[3][2] Harkey's playing career was marked by early promise interrupted by injuries; after a strong minor league showing in 1988 (16–4 overall with a 2.41 ERA across two levels), he missed most of 1989 due to shoulder and knee issues and underwent surgery in 1991, limiting him to relief roles and spot starts thereafter.[3][4] He appeared in 131 MLB games, primarily as a starter early on, for the Chicago Cubs (1988, 1990–1993), Colorado Rockies (1994), Oakland Athletics (1995), California Angels (1995), and Los Angeles Dodgers (1997).[1][2] Prior to his professional career, Harkey excelled in college at Cal State Fullerton and led the 1985 National Baseball Congress World Series in pitching for the Humboldt Crabs, allowing just one earned run in 17 innings.[5][3] Transitioning to coaching after retiring as a player in 1997, Harkey began in the San Diego Padres' minor league system from 2000 to 2005, serving as a pitching coach for teams including the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Lake Elsinore Storm.[3] He advanced to the majors as the Florida Marlins' bullpen coach in 2006, then joined the New York Yankees as their bullpen coach from 2008 to 2013, returning to the role in 2016 and serving through the 2025 season. Following the 2025 season, the Yankees announced that Harkey would not return for 2026.[3][6] In between, he served as pitching coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2014 to 2015 and as bullpen coach for the Netherlands national team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.[3]Early life
High school
Michael Anthony Harkey was born on October 25, 1966, in San Diego, California.[2] He later moved to the Pomona area and attended Ganesha High School in Pomona, California, graduating in 1984.[7][2] At Ganesha, Harkey emerged as a standout multi-sport athlete, particularly in baseball as a right-handed pitcher under coach Pat Wright.[7] Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds as a senior, he developed a powerful fastball that reached speeds of 97 mph, complemented by a sharp slider that exhibited exceptional movement.[7] This movement often proved challenging for high school catchers to handle, leading to wild pitches and a modest overall win-loss record despite his raw talent drawing attention from professional scouts.[7] His initial exposure to competitive pitching came during these years, where he honed his mechanics and velocity, establishing himself as one of Southern California's top prep prospects.[7] Harkey's high school achievements extended beyond baseball; he also starred in basketball, averaging 21 points per game while leading the CIF Southern Section in rebounding.[7] These performances culminated in his selection by the San Diego Padres in the 18th round of the 1984 Major League Baseball Draft, though he chose to pursue college baseball instead.[2] This foundation of athletic prowess and pitching potential set the stage for his subsequent success at the collegiate level.[7]College
Mike Harkey enrolled at California State University, Fullerton (CSU Fullerton) in 1985 after graduating from Ganesha High School in Pomona, California, where his strong high school performance had prepared him for college-level competition. As a right-handed pitcher for the CSU Fullerton Titans in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (now Big West Conference), Harkey quickly established himself as a key member of the rotation, contributing to the team's consistent contention in regional play.[8] Harkey's collegiate career showcased steady improvement across his three seasons, with standout performances in innings pitched and control that highlighted his potential as a workhorse starter. As a freshman in 1985, he appeared in 20 games with 10 starts, posting a 3-4 record and a 3.69 ERA over 78 innings while striking out 55 batters. His sophomore year in 1986 marked a breakout, as he went 9-6 with a 3.41 ERA in 19 appearances (16 starts), logging 129.1 innings and 125 strikeouts, including seven complete games. Harkey's junior season in 1987 was his most dominant, leading the Titans with a 10-2 record, 2.72 ERA, and two shutouts in 17 games (15 starts), completing nine games over 125.2 innings with 101 strikeouts; this performance helped the team reach the NCAA South II Regional but fall short of the College World Series.[8][9][10][11][12]| Year | Class | W-L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | IP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Fr | 3-4 | 3.69 | 20 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 78.0 | 55 |
| 1986 | So | 9-6 | 3.41 | 19 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 129.1 | 125 |
| 1987 | Jr | 10-2 | 2.72 | 17 | 15 | 9 | 2 | 125.2 | 101 |