Mike Heydon

Mike Heydon was a professional baseball player born in 1874, who made his mark during the early years of Major League Baseball, a time characterized by the transition from the deadball era to a more offensive-minded game. He played as a position player from 1898 to 1907, participating in a total of 214 games over his career. Heydon was known for his gritty playstyle and versatility on the field, contributing to his teams with both his defensive skills and occasional offensive output. Throughout his career, Heydon recorded 111 hits, managing to drive in 53 runs and hit 2 home runs. His batting average settled at .179, reflective of the challenging hitting conditions of the era. Additionally, he showcased his speed on the basepaths with 12 stolen bases, demonstrating a knack for aggressive baserunning. Though he may not have achieved the statistical heights of some of his contemporaries, Heydon's contributions during the formative years of professional baseball helped lay the groundwork for the game as it evolved in the subsequent decades.