Mike Mayers was never considered a standout pitcher. During his time with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2016 to 2019, he posted a rough 7.03 ERA over 80.2 innings.
However, for those who recall his rocky beginnings, his eventual success is a story of perseverance and redemption.
At age 33, Mayers announced his retirement from professional baseball via Instagram. His journey was far from smooth — Cardinals fans will never forget his disastrous MLB debut on July 24, 2016, when he was shelled for nine earned runs in just 1.1 innings during a nationally televised Sunday Night Baseball game against the Dodgers.
With his friends and family in attendance, it was a painful outing that felt like a scene straight out of a sports tragedy.
Given that rough start and poor overall numbers in St. Louis, few would have expected Mayers to stick in the majors.
But when the Angels claimed him off waivers in 2019, he found new life in their bullpen. In 2020 and 2021, he delivered his best performances, compiling a 3.34 ERA over 105 innings with an ERA+ of 135 — well above league average.
Though his final seasons, including time with the Royals and Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, saw a dip in performance, Mayers managed to carve out a meaningful career.
He defied early expectations and turned a forgettable debut into a professional journey filled with personal growth, lasting friendships, and cherished memories — a comeback story that Cardinals fans can appreciate, even if his breakthrough came elsewhere.
