Topic: Mike Lieberthal

Michael Scott Lieberthal (born January 18, 1972, in Glendale, California), nicknamed Lieby, is a former Major League Baseball catcher. He batted and threw right-handed. In a 14-year career, Lieberthal played for the Philadelphia Phillies (1994-2006) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2007). He compiled a career batting average of .274, with 150 home runs and 610 runs batted in.

Lieberthal had a .310 batting average, a .381 on base percentage, and .510 slugging percentage lifetime against lefties.

Lieberthal was an all-American catcher at Westlake High School, and graduated in 1990. As a 4-11, 98-pound high school freshman, he played shortstop and second base. His coaches told him he was too small to catch. But as a junior he made the switch to catcher at the suggestion of pro scouts, including his father, Dennis, a scout for the Detroit Tigers (and formerly for the San Francisco Giants). Lieberthal established 2 single-season records that still stand at the high school: total bases (94) and home runs (14). He still holds career records at Westlake for at bats (289), runs (79), hits (105), and home runs (30).