| Mike Collins |
|
|
Former ASU infielder and All-College World Series performer Michael Collins joins the baseball staff after retiring from his professional playing career during the off-season. Collins joins the 2007 baseball staff as an undergraduate manager as he completes his ASU degree. Collins starred in the ASU infield from 1996-98 before signing professionally with the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 1998 season. Collins went on the play eight seasons in the minor leagues, reaching AAA with both the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets.
A slick-fielding shortstop, Collins saw action in 176 games as a Sun Devil, batting .264 over his three seasons. Collins helped lead the Devils to the Atlantic Regional Final in 1997 against Miami and the College World Series in 1998, where ASU finished as the national runner-up. After a memorable performance in Omaha, Collins was named to the All-College World Series team and was offered a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers following the 1998 season.
Over a successful eight year professional playing career, Collins was a member of championship teams with the San Bernardino Stampede (Dodgers/A) in 2000 and Jacksonville Suns (Dodgers/AA) in 2001.
A Phoenix native and prep standout at Mountain Pointe High School, Mike and his wife Joannie reside in El Mirage, Ariz. with their daughter, Mia.
What they're saying about Michael Collins:
"Michael is an enthusiastic young man who has a passion for life and baseball. He has always been a student of the game. Michael will be an asset to any team or organization that he is a part of. He has always strived to be the best and being a part of Sun Devil Baseball is a great opportunity that he will no doubt succeed in." - Former ASU teammate Mike Lopez
"Michael showed up every day to play and had fun doing it. He loves the game." - Former ASU teammate Chip Gosewisch
"Michael Collins is the perfect example of someone that certainly got the most out of his skills. He is a gamer. Not only was he a gifted player that always gave his best, but he also has an incredible ability to nurture, teach, train and pass on his baseball knowledge." - Logan White, assistant general manager, Los Angeles Dodgers
