Mike Hampton

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #7 prospect in 1993
  Hampton might rank higher in this survey if he didn’t stand two inches short of 6 feet. The Mariners, though, think he eventually will be a durable major league starter. Hampton throws with slightly above-average velocity and works both sides of the plate with his fastball. He is gaining command of a curve with some slider-type action, and has an effective changeup. When his pitches are in sync, Hampton can control a game with ground balls and strikeouts. Though he’s made just two starts above Class A, Hampton could be ready for a major league audition some time in 1993. Aggressive and confident, he competes fiercely and maintains composure under adversity.
• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #4 prospect in 1992
  Hampton was the most improved pitcher in the organization in 1991. He began the season in the high Class A California League, but had only one victory--a no hitter--after 15 starts. Demoted to the short-season Northwest League, Hampton began throwing strikes and winning, limiting batters to a .162 average. Progress continued in instructional league, where scouts said Hampton (3-1, 2.88) was the Mariners’ most impressive pitcher. Though Hampton stands just 5-foot-10, the Mariners are grooming him as a starter, noting that he has a strong build and fine athletic skills. Fiercely competitive, he attacks hitters with a solid fastball, setting up his hard curve and changeup.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked California League #5 prospect in 1992
  Hampton is a finesse pitcher with an excellent curveball and changeup. At 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, he isn’t overpowering but has good control. He went 13-8, 3.12 for San Bernardino, striking out 132 in 170 innings. “He’s a gamer,” San Bernardino manager Ivan DeJesus said. “That’s what keeps him in there. He has a good breaking ball and when he’s in a spot, he has a good fastball. He’s not afraid to throw the curveball at a 3-1 or 3-2 count. He has good confidence in it, and that’s what you need.”
• 
  Ranked Northwest League #7 prospect in 1991
  Hampton, 18, started the season in the high Class A California League, going 1-7--his only win was a no-hitter--before being assigned to the Northwest League. He is just 5-foot-10 but has an above-average fastball and a devastating breaking ball. Some managers rated him higher than fellow Bellingham lefthander Shawn Estes.

• December, 1992 Scouting Report
  Hampton might rank higher in this survey if he didn’t stand two inches short of 6 feet. The Mariners, though, think he eventually will be a durable major league starter. Hampton throws with slightly above-average velocity and works both sides of the plate with his fastball. He is gaining command of a curve with some slider-type action, and has an effective changeup. When his pitches are in sync, Hampton can control a game with ground balls and strikeouts. Though he’s made just two starts above Class A, Hampton could be ready for a major league audition some time in 1993. Aggressive and confident, he competes fiercely and maintains composure under adversity.
• December, 1991 Scouting Report
  Hampton was the most improved pitcher in the organization in 1991. He began the season in the high Class A California League, but had only one victory--a no hitter--after 15 starts. Demoted to the short-season Northwest League, Hampton began throwing strikes and winning, limiting batters to a .162 average. Progress continued in instructional league, where scouts said Hampton (3-1, 2.88) was the Mariners’ most impressive pitcher. Though Hampton stands just 5-foot-10, the Mariners are grooming him as a starter, noting that he has a strong build and fine athletic skills. Fiercely competitive, he attacks hitters with a solid fastball, setting up his hard curve and changeup.
• December, 1991 Scouting Report
  Hampton is a finesse pitcher with an excellent curveball and changeup. At 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, he isn’t overpowering but has good control. He went 13-8, 3.12 for San Bernardino, striking out 132 in 170 innings. “He’s a gamer,” San Bernardino manager Ivan DeJesus said. “That’s what keeps him in there. He has a good breaking ball and when he’s in a spot, he has a good fastball. He’s not afraid to throw the curveball at a 3-1 or 3-2 count. He has good confidence in it, and that’s what you need.”
• December, 1990 Scouting Report
  Hampton, 18, started the season in the high Class A California League, going 1-7--his only win was a no-hitter--before being assigned to the Northwest League. He is just 5-foot-10 but has an above-average fastball and a devastating breaking ball. Some managers rated him higher than fellow Bellingham lefthander Shawn Estes.