MAIN Sports Sports Stars Mike Piazza

Born Michael Joseph Piazza in Norristown, Pennsylvania on September 4, 1968, Piazza is often recognized as the player with the most hits of any catcher in a generation.

Piazza began his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and played in the minors for several years before making his professional debut in 1992 for a total of 21 games that season. A year later, he won the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

In 1998, Piazza was traded to the Florida Marlins mid-season, then one week later was traded to the New York Mets, where he went on to help the team to two consecutive playoff series, the second resulting in a "Subway Series" match that ultimately led to a New York Yankees win in 2000.

On May 5, 2004, Piazza surpassed Carlton Fisk for most home runs by a catcher with the 352nd of his career.

Off the field, Piazza has made tabloid headlines when the New York Post spread rumors of his purported homosexuallity, which Piazza has since categorically denied.

In 2005, the star catcher married long-time girlfriend, former Baywatch Hawaii babe, Alicia Rickter with a wedding ceremony held in Miami.

Piazza's future in New York was in doubt in 2005, as his contract with the Mets ended with the season. Subsequently, the star catcher filed for free agency and soon after signed with the San Diego Padres in January, 2006. In March that same year he represented Italy at the first World Baseball Classic.

In yet another career move, the 12-time All Star joined the Oakland Athletics in 2007, On May 20, 2008 Piazza announced his retirement from baseball after 16 seasons in the major leagues, still holding a career record for home runs hit by a catcher.

San Diego Padres - Player Information - Mike Piazza - The latest news, complete biography, photo, video clips, career stats and highlights.

ESPN.com: Mike Piazza - Stats, awards, scouting reports and breaking news.

CNNSI.com - Amid rumors, Piazza delcares he's not gay - The Met star attempts to set the record straight in an archived news report from 2002.

Mike Piazza - Wikipedia - Biography, photos, related links.

also see in Sports -> World Series Baseball | World Baseball Classic

also see in Sports Idols -> Jason Giambi | Ken Griffey, Jr.

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