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- Michael is one of a handful of UCSB alumni to reach the majors. The others include Barry Zito, Justin Lehr and Ryan Spilborghs.
- Michael was the All-Big West Conference shortstop in 1997. His high school teammate, Mike Lamb, playing with Cal State-Fullerton, made the team as a catcher.
- The highlight of Michael’s rookie year in 2001 was breaking up Barry Zito’s ninth-inning no-hitter. The September 10th game was forgotten the next day, when the 9/11 attacks occurred.
- Michael was the first infielder in major league history to record consecutive 200-hit seasons playing 150+ games at two different positions. The last player to accomplish this feat was outfielder Ralph Garr, who switched from right field to left field in 1974.
- Michael finished eighth in the 2004 MVP voting.
- Before Michael stroked 216 hits in 2004, the Rangers team record was held by Mickey Rivers.
- Michael finished the 2005 season ranked second on the Rangers all-time triples list. Ruben Sierra is #1 with 44 three-baggers.
- Michael was the only Ranger invited to Alex Rodriguez’s 2004 wedding.
- Michael and A-Rod still chat regularly on the phone.
- Michael and Cristina had their first child in June of 2005.
- Michael got a chance to talk shop with his boyhood hero, Don Mattingly, at the 2004 All-Star Game. Mattingly was the AL’s hitting coach.
- Michael’s nickname in the Ranger clubhouse is “Slick.”
- Michael served as national spokesperson for Wear Your Cap to School Day in 2004. The program was launched to raise awareness about pediatric cancer.
- One of Michael's favorite players to watch is Ichiro Suzuki.
- Michael signed a four-year $10 million contract extension in the spring of 2004.
- Michael was a nominee for Major League Baseball Man of the Year in 2004.
Ralph Garr, 1974
The Sporting News
Mickey Rivers, 1977
Topps