Early Life and Education of Mike Piazza: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Mike Piazza. From birth to education, explore key events.

Mike Piazza is a retired American professional baseball catcher who played 16 seasons in MLB (1992-2007). He is a Hall of Famer known primarily for his time with the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, though he also played for the Marlins, Padres, and Athletics. Piazza was a 12-time All-Star and 10-time Silver Slugger Award winner. Offensively, he was exceptional for a catcher, hitting 427 career home runs, with a record 396 as a catcher. He also recorded a .308 batting average and 1,335 RBIs. He was slated to manage Italy's national baseball team in 2020 and 2021 but was unable to due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 4, 1968: Michael Piazza's birth

On September 4, 1968, Michael Joseph Piazza was born. He is an American former professional baseball catcher.

January 1983: Attended 76ers game

In January 1983, Mike Piazza watched the Philadelphia 76ers court side in their game when Julius Erving performed his famous Rock-a-Baby dunk, which Piazza cited as one of his indelible childhood memories as a sports fan.

1986: Graduation from High School

In 1986, Mike Piazza graduated from Phoenixville Area High School.

November 27, 1994: Piazza appears on Married...with Children

On November 27, 1994, during the 1994–95 MLB strike, Mike Piazza and other striking players appeared as themselves in an episode of Married...with Children.

January 29, 2005: Piazza marries Alicia Rickter

On January 29, 2005, Mike Piazza married actress and Playboy Playmate Alicia Rickter at St. Jude Catholic Church in Miami, Florida. Angelica Bridges was the maid of honor.

September 28, 2008: Piazza returns to Shea Stadium for closing ceremony

On September 28, 2008, Mike Piazza returned to Shea Stadium during the "Shea Goodbye" closing ceremony. He received the final pitch in the stadium's history from Tom Seaver and together they closed the park.

April 13, 2009: Piazza receives first pitch at Citi Field

On April 13, 2009, Mike Piazza received the very first pitch at the new Citi Field from Tom Seaver before the Mets' opening game against the Padres.

May 3, 2013: Piazza Debuts with Miami City Ballet

On May 3, 2013, Mike Piazza debuted with the Miami City Ballet, speaking a few lines in the role of a hit man in the troupe's production of Slaughter on Tenth Avenue.

2016: Piazza Purchases Stake in A.C. Reggiana

In 2016, Mike Piazza purchased a majority ownership stake in the third-division Italian soccer club A.C. Reggiana with an estimated investment of $3 million.

2017: Piazza owned A.C. Reggiana 1919

In 2017, Mike Piazza owned the Italian soccer team A.C. Reggiana 1919 and played for two seasons in Serie C under his leadership.

July 2018: Piazza puts A.C. Reggiana up for sale

In July 2018, after two seasons of ownership and a controversial playoff loss, Mike Piazza put the A.C. Reggiana soccer team up for sale. The club later ceased operations.