Twins Video
Mahomes was taken in the sixth round of the 1988 MLB Draft out of Lindale High School in Texas. He was one of 10 players from that round to make it to the big leagues. Out of the players Minnesota took in the ’88 Draft, Mahomes was the lone draftee to play more than 75 games at the big-league level. First round pick Johnny Ard (20th overall) never made it past Double-A in the Twins system.
He made his professional debut in the Appalachian League where he was over three years younger than the competition. In 13 starts (78.0 IP), he had a 3.69 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP with a 93 to 51 strikeout to walk ratio. Over the next two seasons, he moved through both Low-A and High-A with a combined ERA south of 3.30. He also continued to strikeout close to a batter an inning.
As the Twins were on the way to the 1991 World Series, Mahomes was dominating at Double- and Triple-A. In his age-20 season, he had a 2.32 ERA and struck out 177 in 171 innings. He was nearly six years younger than the competition in the PCL. After the season, Baseball America would name him the 25th best prospect in baseball.
Around this time in his career is when we get an interesting interaction between Mahomes and future Hall of Famer Jack Morris. In an interview, Mahomes shared this story. “I remember one time that year asking Jack Morris how he threw his split-finger fastball. He said, ‘Get away from me, you little MF. You’ll be trying to take my job next year.’ “
Mahomes would split the next two seasons between Triple-A and the big-league level. He made his MLB debut on April 12, 1992 at the Metrodome. He was the sixth youngest player to play in the big leagues that season. In the first inning, he allowed a three-run home run to Juan Gonzalez with two outs. From there he settled in and pitched through six innings without giving up another run. Minnesota would tie the game in the seventh before Bob Kipper allowed the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth.
The 1994 season would mark his only full season where he was used exclusively as a starter. He finished 9-5 with a 4.73 ERA. His nine wins were second on the team behind Kevin Tapani. Only four other players on the squad had a higher WAR than him (Chuck Knoblach, Shane Mack, Kirby Puckett, and Kevin Tapani).
Over the next two seasons, he would start to transition to a bullpen role with the Twins. In August 1996, he was traded to the Red Sox for a player to be named later. Boston sent Brian Looney to Minnesota to complete the trade and Mahomes would be released by Boston the following June.
Mahomes became a journeyman pitcher from that point on in his career. He would pitch in Japan for parts of the 1997 and 1998 seasons before signing with the Mets. In 1999, he pitched in four playoff games for the Mets before they eventually lost to the Braves in the NLCS. He’d play for an eye-popping 11 more organizations in his career including big-league time with the Rangers, Cubs, and Pirates. Mahomes continued pitching for multiple independent league clubs through his age-38 season.
It’s clear to see the younger Mahomes might be finding more success in his chosen professional playing career. However, the young quarterback got some of his dad’s athleticism.
The Vikings didn’t make the playoffs and you might be looking for a new team to root for this weekend. Why not cheer on Mahomes?
MORE FROM TWINS DAILY
— Latest Twins coverage from our writers
— Recent Twins discussion in our forums
— Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email
— Become a Twins Daily Caretaker
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.