Bringing with him 14 seasons of MLB experience, Mickey Tettleton will join the Oklahoma Christian University baseball coaching staff as the team takes the field this spring. Tettleton will primarily work with the Eagles’ catchers and collective team offense.
Oklahoma State University recruited Tettleton out of Southeast High School—home of Yankees legend Bobby Murcer, the namesake of the Eagles’ training facility—to continue his athletic career with the Cowboys, where he pushed them to a 1981 College World Series title. The Oakland A’s drafted him in the fifth round in 1981.
By 1984, Tettleton reached the big leagues and continued his career until his retirement in 1997. During his time as a professional athlete, Tettleton served stretches with the A’s, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. He played in the Mid-Summer Classic twice, once with the Orioles in 1989 and with the Tigers in 1994. He was named a Silver Slugger, an award given to the best-hitting player at each position within their respective leagues, in 1989, 1991 and 1992.
Nicknamed “Froot Loops” in his playing days, Tettleton trademarked a very distinctive hitting stance with his hands held low and his body stiffened up straight. Tettleton hit a career average of .241 with 245 home runs, 732 RBIs and 1,485 hits. His career WAR (wins above replacement) sits at a 29.4.
Oklahoma Christian head coach Lonny Cobble said the addition of Tettleton is exceedingly valuable and the transition has gone on seamlessly.
“He has done a great job relating to the players and has fit in well with the staff,” Cobble said. “He brings a high level of experience to the ball club.”
Junior transfer Berry Hunt said Tettleton is a vital addition to Oklahoma Christian’s offensive approach, and his professional experience facilitates next-level insight.
“It’s great to have a guy who has played in the pros for as long as he did,” Hunt said. “Offensively, he has been helping me keep my swing nice and simple, always reminding me that less is more. I’ve seen results from myself and other players just in the short time that he has been around.”
Senior infielder-turned-catcher Callen Crockett said Tettleton is influential in aiding him in his positional metamorphosis.
“I caught as a little leaguer, but that was a long time ago,” Crockett said. “Tettleton has been there to help me with the details and mental side of the position, which has made for a quick switch. He’s been more than impactful.”
In an interview with Oklahoma Christian’s sports information director Murray Evans, Tettleton said he wants to help players be the best version of themselves by utilizing his experiences and knowledge.
“I want to help develop hitters to reach their potential,” Tettleton said. “My primary thing will be focusing on what I know to our hitters and catchers. I see it as kind of passing the torch and teaching what I’ve learned from coaches and managers in my career.”
The Eagles will open their season Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. against Pittsburg State University in the Edmond First Pitch Invitational tournament. The event is hosted by cross-town rivals, the University of Central Oklahoma.
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