Update: Tigers Deny Nicholson

August 30, 2003

Turns out Phil Mickelson will have to go back to focusing on winning a major, as opposed to making the majors, as The Detroit Tigers have decided not to offer a minor league contract to PGA golfer Phil Mickelson.

Mickelson said, “Golf is my number one priority and always will be. Throwing a baseball is an important part of my workout program, so if I can get my speed to 85 mph or above consistently, I wouldn’t rule out trying this again in the future. That would be the benchmark.”

Mickelson to try out for Mud Hens

August 28, 2003

The Toledo Mud Hens are giving Phil Mickelson a shot at fulfilling a lifelong dream.

The PGA golfer will have a tryout for the Mud Hens on Friday, Aug. 29. If manager Larry Parrish and pitching coach Jeff Jones give Mickelson a thumbs-up, the lefty will get a chance to pitch for the Mud Hens this weekend.

"This is a lifetime dream of mine and I'm extremely grateful to the Toledo and Detroit organizations for giving me the chance to live it," Mickelson said. "I know which sport is mine, but I just could not pass on this opportunity. I’ve got nothing but the utmost respect for the players at this level and I’m humbled to be a part of it even for a day or two.”

Mickelson's publicist contacted the Mud Hens, asking if they would give him a shot. Last week, Mickelson pitched batting practice for the Akron Aeros, which helped plant the seed for the idea of trying to earn a shot to pitch in the minors.

The Mud Hens are 63-76, and out of the playoff race with four games to go. To ensure that the Tigers were OK with the publicity stunt, Toledo general manager Joe Napoli called Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski and got the Tigers' permission.

Mickelson is not guaranteed of a spot on the Mud Hens. A decision will be made by Mickelson, and the team, after he throws during batting practice on Friday.

“I’m looking forward to it. I know he is a great competitor,” Jones said.

Although golfers are not normally thought of as great athletes, Napoli said he hopes that Mickelson can impress.

“In the tradition of other two-sport athletes such as Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Jim Thorpe, and Gene Conley, we look forward to seeing what Phil can accomplish,” Napoli said.