Mike Lieberthal

Michael Scott Lieberthal
(Lieby)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 170 lb.
• High School Westlake (CA) High School
• Debut June 30, 1994
• Final Game September 22, 2007
• Born January 18, 1972 in Glendale, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Mike Lieberthal played 14 years in the major leagues, hitting 150 home runs. His father, Dennis Lieberthal, is a scout for the Detroit Tigers and a former San Francisco Giants scout.

A two-time All-Star (in 1999 and 2000), Lieberthal was once a powerful home run hitter. On May 12, 2001, he tore all three major ligaments of his right knee while diving back to first base on a pick-off attempt. He had surgery in June and missed the rest of the season, then in October 2002, he injured the same knee as he stepped out of a golf cart near his Southern California home. He tore the meniscus and had surgery.[1] He had limited power during the last years of his career. He was succeeded as the Phillies' starting catcher by Carlos Ruiz, who was called up in 2006. Lieberthal played his last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007, backing up Russell Martin, and then retired before the start of the 2008 season.

On May 31, 2005, he became the third Phillie to catch 1,000 games. He is also the all-time Phillies leader in games caught, with 1,139 games, ahead of Red Dooin and Bob Boone. Ruiz also joined the small club in 2015.

He had a fan group at Veterans Stadium called "Lieby's Lil Ladies."

Notable Achievements

• 2-time NL All-Star (1999 & 2000)
• NL Gold Glove Winner (1999)
• 2002 NL Comeback Player of the Year Award
• 20-Home Run Seasons: 2 (1997 & 1999)
• 30-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1997)

Links

• 1,000 Games Caught