Mike Ivie Passes Away, What Happened to Mike Ivie? How Did Mike Ivie Die?
by Abinaya | Updated Jul 24, 2023
Who was Mike Ivie?
Michael Wilson Ivie, born on August 8, 1952, and sadly passing on July 21, 2023, was a distinguished American professional baseball player. Throughout his career from 1971 to 1983, he showcased his talents as a first baseman in Major League Baseball, representing esteemed teams such as the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, and Detroit Tigers.
Ivie's versatility was evident as he not only excelled at first base but also demonstrated his skills as a third baseman, left fielder, and designated hitter. Notably, he was the first overall pick of the 1970 MLB draft, handpicked by the Padres for his exceptional abilities on the field.
Mike Ivie Passes Away
Mike Ivie, a former No. 1 overall draft pick of the San Diego Padres, passed away at the age of 70. He had a remarkable baseball career, making his MLB debut at just 18 years old in 1971 and impressing with an outstanding .471 batting average in his first six games. Initially drafted as a catcher, he transitioned to first base due to early career struggles with the Yips.
After spending time in the minor leagues, Ivie returned to the majors in 1974 and became the regular first baseman for the Padres from 1975 to 1977. During this period, he maintained a solid .271 batting average with a .322 on-base percentage and a .393 slugging percentage. In 1977, Ivie was traded to the San Francisco Giants, where he had the best seasons of his career.
In 1978 and 1979, he delivered exceptional performances at the plate, hitting .296 with a .361 on-base percentage and an impressive .515 slugging percentage, which was 41% better than the league average according to wRC+. Over these two seasons, he accumulated a total of 38 home runs, 32 doubles, and six triples, showcasing his power-hitting abilities. Additionally, he demonstrated his versatility by contributing eight stolen bases.
Throughout his career, Mike Ivie left a lasting impact on the baseball world, and his talent and achievements on the field will be remembered by fans and fellow players alike. His passing marks the end of an era for baseball enthusiasts who followed his career and admired his prowess at the plate.
What Happened to Mike Ivie?
The reason how he passed away is not been revealed. Mike Ivie, the former first baseman for the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, and Detroit Tigers, passed away on Friday at the age of 70.
The news of his passing was reported by Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune. As a prominent figure in Major League Baseball during the 1970s and early 1980s, Mike Ivie made a significant impact on the teams he played for and left a lasting impression on baseball fans around the world.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable career and is a moment of remembrance for those who followed and admired his contributions to the sport. Throughout his time in the league, Ivie showcased his talent and versatility as a first baseman, earning a reputation as a reliable and capable player. His skills at the plate and defensive prowess made him a valuable asset to the teams he represented.
As the baseball community mourns the loss of Mike Ivie, they remember the legacy he leaves behind and celebrate the memorable moments he brought to the game. His contributions to the sport will forever be cherished by fans and fellow players alike, and his name will be etched in baseball history as a respected and admired athlete.
How did Mike Ivie Die?
The reason on how he passed away has not been revealed. Mike Ivie, the former first-round draft pick of the San Diego Padres, passed away on July 21, 2023, at the age of 70. He died at his home in North Augusta, South Carolina, following an extended period of battling ongoing health issues. Although the specific cause of his death has not been disclosed, it is known that Mike Ivie had been dealing with health problems for several years.
In 2017, he suffered a heart attack and was also known to be living with diabetes. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1952, Ivie was selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 1970 MLB Draft. He began his major league career in 1971 and went on to play for various teams, including the San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, and Detroit Tigers, during his 11-season career.
Mike Ivie was renowned for his power-hitting abilities as a first baseman, boasting a career batting average of .268, with an impressive tally of 202 home runs and 678 RBIs. He achieved significant recognition during his playing days, earning two All-Star selections and winning a prestigious Gold Glove award in 1973 for his exceptional fielding skills.
Michael Wilson Ivie Obituary
Michael Wilson Ivie, aged 70, was born on August 8, 1952, in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. He peacefully passed away on July 21, 2023, in North Augusta, South Carolina. In remembrance of Michael's life and to honor his memory, the family suggests making donations to The Angelman Syndrome Foundation. Contributions can be sent to 3015 E.
New York Street, Suite A2 #285, Aurora, IL 60504, or by contacting 1-800-432-6435. The obituary was published by Legacy on July 21, 2023, allowing friends, family, and the community to pay their respects and cherish the legacy of Michael Wilson Ivie.
Mike Ivie Passes Away - FAQ
Mike Ivie had a remarkable baseball career, making his MLB debut at just 18 years old in 1971 and impressing with a phenomenal .471 batting average in his first six games. He transitioned to first base due to early career struggles with the Yips and went on to have successful seasons with the San Francisco Giants, showcasing power-hitting abilities and contributing eight stolen bases.
The specific cause of Mike Ivie's passing has not been revealed. However, he passed away on July 21, 2023, at the age of 70, at his home in North Augusta, South Carolina, after battling ongoing health issues. He had previously suffered a heart attack in 2017 and was living with diabetes.
Mike Ivie left a lasting impact on the baseball world with his talent and achievements on the field. As a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner in 1973, his power-hitting abilities and defensive prowess made him a respected and admired athlete throughout his career. Fans and fellow players will cherish his contributions to the sport.
To honor Michael Wilson Ivie's memory, the family suggests making donations to The Angelman Syndrome Foundation. Contributions can be sent to 3015 E. New York Street, Suite A2 #285, Aurora, IL 60504, or by contacting 1-800-432-6435. The obituary published by Legacy allows friends, family, and the community to pay their respects and cherish his legacy.
The obituary for Michael Wilson Ivie was published by Legacy on July 21, 2023, and can be accessed on their website. It provides an opportunity for individuals to remember and pay tribute to his life and accomplishments.