Remembering Mike Darr, Who Was Lost 15 Years Ago Today

Michael Curtis Darr was born in Corona, California. He was the son of a former major leaguer, Mike Darr Sr.

The eldest Darr pitched in one game for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977. That was the extent of his playing career, but he helped cultivate his son into a second round pick. Mike Darr was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 1994 draft, after hitting .512 with 12 home runs his senior year in high school. He signed almost immediately, as he longed to be a major league player, just like his dad.

Darr immediately began to play well, as he hit .275 in 149 at bats, at the age of 18, in the Detroit Tiger Rookie League. The next season at low Single-A ball, he hit .289 and had an on base percentage of .380 for the season. In 395 at bats, he smacked five homers and drove in 66 runs. He seemed well on his way to the major leagues, and was valued by his franchise, the Detroit Tigers.

He was also valued by the San Diego Padres, it turns out. On March 22, 1997, he was acquired, with Matt Skrmetta, for journeyman second baseman, Jody Reed. Darr immediately rewarded his new team by hitting .344 with 15 homers and 94 runs batted in. He also stole 23 bases, and had an on base percentage of .409 that first season in the Padres’ minor league system. Not too bad for a 21-year-old in high Single-A ball. The Padres awarded Darr the minor league player of the year award for 1997.

Next season in Double-A, Darr continued to impress with a .310 batting average, six homers, and 90 runs batted in. A .385 on base percentage and 28 stolen bases assured him of starting in Triple-A for the 1999 season. In Las Vegas, Mike Darr continued to shine. In 438 at bats there, he hit .298 with 10 homers and 62 runs batted in.

At the age of 23, Mike Darr was promoted by the Padres for his first taste of major league pitching, making his Major League debut on May 23, 1999. His first major league hit was off the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Andy Benes. He went 1-4 that day. Darr only managed 48 at bats that season for the Padres, but did hit .271 with two home runs. Another minor league player of the year award was given to Darr for his time in Las Vegas, and he seemed ticketed for stardom.

Mike Darr spent the 2000 and 2001 season in the major leagues, for the most part. At his young age, he was mostly platooned initially in the outfield, and used as a defensive replacement by manager Bruce Bochy. Mike Darr showed his speed in stealing home September 11, 2000 against the Colorado Rockies. He was the starting center fielder for the Padres when the 2001 season started. He played in 105 games that season, hitting .277 with two home runs and 34 runs batted in.

The 2002 season was supposed to be the season Darr got the majority of at bats. At the age of 26, he was going to be given an extensive look as an everyday outfielder. He had earned that opportunity. His hard-nosed attitude and line-drive bat were exactly what the Padres needed at the time.

15 years ago today (February 15th, 2002 ), Mike Darr lost his life in a single car rollover accident on a highway outside Phoenix. Darr’s long time friend, Duane Johnson, died in the accident as well. Both men were not wearing their seat belts.

Also in the brand new, white GMC Yukon, was San Diego Padres minor league pitcher, Ben Howard, who was wearing his seat belt and walked away with only minor injuries. It was later determined that Mike Darr was over the legal limit of alcohol to properly operate a motor vehicle. A true tragedy in every sense of the word.

Mike Darr’s career major league numbers: 542 at bats, five home runs, 67 runs batted in, .273 batting average, and an impressive .353 on base percentage. He was truly going to be a legit major league talent for years to come. He had the eye at the plate and the defense in the outfield to remain a consistent contributor at the professional level.

More than 1,500 people were present at Mike Darr’s funeral in Riverside California. The entire Padres’ organization, including every player and coach, were on hand to pay their respects. The Padres wore a patch with his #26 on their sleeves for the entire 2002 season, the season that was supposed to be Mike Darr’s breakout year.

Bruce Bochy said when speaking about Darr, “He was not just a good ballplayer. This young man was a person we all thought a lot about. A fun-loving guy, very well-liked by his teammates .’”

Padres closer, Trevor Hoffman, spoke to the media and said “We’ve lost a special teammate, a special person. There are a lot of heavy hearts in the locker room.”

Mike Darr is survived by his wife Natalie and two sons, Mike Jr. and Mathew. His son, Mike Jr, played football and baseball at the same Corona Santiago High School. His son bats left and throws right, just like his dad. Mike Darr Jr. threw for over 6,000 yards and 51 TDs in his three varsity seasons. He also hit third for the baseball team and played center field. The apple doesn’t fall far from the proverbial tree.

Mike Darr will be remembered by some as that “Tattooed Guy” who used to play for the Padres. Others will remember the potential that was never able to be fulfilled. I, for one, feel sad that such a young talent was taken away simply because he made a bad choice. We remember this young man, as he will always hold a place in San Diego Padres history.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.