Mike Thompson had good, moving fastball, saw 3 seasons
Scouts spoke highly of MiraCosta College pitcher Mike Thompson in May 1986, though he still needed work, The North Country Times wrote.
"He's a toothpick," one scout told The Times. "But he throws hard and has a good moving fastball. He's definitely a pro prospect."
Thompson went on to turn pro the next year. His pro career lasted three seasons. He topped out at high-A.
Thompson's career began in 1988, signed by the Red Sox as a free agent out of MiraCoasta in California. He was also credited as Michael Thompson.
Thompson started with the Red Sox at single-A Winter Haven. He started 16 games and went 6-7, with a 3.45 ERA.
That July in 1988, Thompson took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and ultimately gave up just three hits in a no-decision, The Lakeland Ledger wrote.
"It (the no-hitter) crossed my mind once in about the fourth inning, but it was too early to start thinking about that," Thompson told The Ledger. "I've been struggling and I was just trying to keep them off the bases."
He returned to Winter Haven for 11 relief outings in 1989. He also saw three at short-season Elmira. He went 2-1 overall, with a 7.16 ERA.
Thompson spent 1990 back at Winter Haven. In 15 outings, 12 starts, he went 4-6, with a 4.82 ERA to end his career.
- North Country Times, May 20, 1986: Scouts zero in on two locals
- Lakeland Ledger, July 6, 1988: Despite four singles, four errors, St. Petersburg beats Hasox, 3-2
Made the Majors:1,482-31.5%
Never Made Majors:3,217-68.5%-X