The Wednesday Fungo

Mike Dalton – #42

Mike Dalton had a micro-career in the majors, appearing in four games — all with the 1991 Tigers in a span of two weeks.

Here are 10 things to know about the lefty reliever:

He was drafted by the Red Sox in the 15th round of the 1983 amateur draft.
Dalton spent eight years in the Boston system before the Tigers signed him as a free agent in December 1990.
He appeared in 39 games for the Mud Hens in 1991, all in relief, posting a 3-3 record with a 4.13 ERA and four saves.
He made his big-league debut on May 31, 1991, against the Indians.
The first batter he faced was Beau Allred, who flied out to right. He tossed an inning and a third, allowing only a double to Félix Fermín.
Dalton’s longest outing was on June 9 against the Angels, a two and two thirds innings appearance in relief of Dan Gakeler, allowing six hits, two runs, two homers, and striking out two.
On June 15 he made his final appearance, against the Mariners in Seattle: Two and a third innings pitched, six hits, two walks and a strikeout.
The final batter he faced in the majors was Mariners catcher Dave Valle, a strikeout to end the eighth inning.
His final line: eight innings pitched, 12 hits, four strikeouts, two walks and a 3.38 ERA.
Dalton became a free agent after the 1991 season and signed with the Pirates. He spent 1992 and ’93, his final pro seasons, at Triple-A Buffalo.