1976 Topps #157 - Mike Caldwell

• Mike Caldwell pitched in the majors from 1971-1984. "Mr. Warmth" (the nickname that was on his APBA card for a few years) started in the San Diego Padres' system in 1971. He was a reliever in A ball and was called up in September to pitch and was 1-0 in six games. Mike was used by the Padres as a swingman in 1972 and was 7-11 in 42 games (20 starts). He went 5-14 in 55 games (13 starts) in 1973.

• After the 1973 season Mike was traded to the San Francisco Giants for Willie McCovey and Bernie Williams. He had a good year in 1974 (14-5, 2.95 ERA), but his 1975 season wasn't so good (7-13, 4.79). Caldwell went back to a swingman role in 1976 (50 games, 9 starts) and was 1-7 with a 4.86 ERA.

• Mike was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals after the 1976 season in a multi-player trade. He never played for the Cards--he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for Pat Darcy during spring training. Caldwell pitched in 14 games for the Reds and then was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on June 15, 1977 for two minor leaguers. Mike finished the 1977 season with a 5-8 record.

• Caldwell had his best season in 1978. He went 22-9 with a 2.36 ERA and finished second in AL Cy Young Award voting. Mike had another good year for the Brewers in 1979 (16-6, 3.29). He continued to pitch well for the Brewers for the next several years. He had records of 13-11 (1980), 11-9 (1981), 17-13 (1982), and 12-11 (1983). The ERA started to creep up into the upper 3's and lower 4's. Mike pitched well in the 1982 World Series, winning two games for the Brewers in a losing effort.

• Mike's last season was 1984. He went 6-13 with a 4.64 ERA. He was released after the 1984 season and retired.

• After his career Caldwell coached for various minor league clubs. He is currently the pitching coach for the Scottsdale Giants of the Arizona League (rookie league).