Mike Coolbaugh

Michael Robert Coolbaugh (June 5, 1972 – July 22, 2007) was an American baseball player and coach. Born in Binghamton, New York, he was the brother of former major leaguer Scott Coolbaugh. Coolbaugh died after being hit by a line drive while working as a first-base coach in a minor league game.

Playing career

Coolbaugh was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 16th round (433rd overall) of the 1990 Major League Baseball Draft. Coolbaugh spent 11 seasons in the minor leagues. He broke the Southern League record for RBI in a season.

On July 15, 2001, while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers Triple-A affiliate Indianapolis Indians, Coolbaugh was called up to the majors. He never played for the Blue Jays, but did play third base with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2001 and the St. Louis Cardinals in 2002. Coolbaugh made 44 career appearances, mainly at third base or as a pinch hitter, hitting .183.

In 2004 he set a franchise record by hitting 30 home runs with the New Orleans Zephyrs (Houston Astros). In 2005, Coolbaugh was with the Houston Astros farm system. While playing for the Astros' Triple-A affiliate, the Round Rock Express, Coolbaugh had 27 home runs and 101 RBI. The Astros were prepared to bring him up to the major leagues until he suffered a broken bone on his left hand during a Round Rock Express game. In 2006, he signed with the Kansas City Royals. While in spring training, Coolbaugh shattered his left wrist, leading to his retirement as a player.