Quick Facts
Biography
Michael Ralph Schooler (born August 10, 1962), is a retired professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1988-1993 for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers. He attended Garden Grove High School in Garden Grove, California, Cal State Fullerton and Golden West College.
Professional career
Seattle Mariners
Schooler was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the second round, 35th overall, in the 1985 Major League Baseball Draft.
He made his Major League debut on June 10, 1988 against the Minnesota Twins pitching one scoreless inning.
Schooler became Seattle's closer in the second half of 1988, saving 15 games and striking out better than a batter an inning. He surpassed that performance in 1989, his first full season, improving his control and finishing third in the American League in saves, trailing only Jeff Russell and Bobby Thigpen. He was on pace for another good season in 1990, but shoulder stiffness forced him to miss the final month.
He ended up posting thirty saves in 1990, good for eighth in the league, but the shoulder injury lingered, and forced him to miss the first half of the 1991 season. He returned July 12 and recorded seven saves, but his arm was still showing the effects of the injury. In 1992, he allowed seven home runs, all of which tied the game or put the opposition in the lead. This resulted in a 4.70 ERA, by far the highest of his career. The Mariners released Schooler following the 1992 season. This paved the way for Norm Charlton to become the Mariners' new closer.
Texas Rangers
On March 22, 1993 he was signed as a free agent by the Texas Rangers but was released on September 11 after going 3-0 with a 5.55 ERA in 17 games.
Post career
Gym Teacher
He has been a gym teacher at Richardson Middle School, and Calle Mayor Middle School in Torrance, California. He is now a gym teacher at Ladera Ranch Middle School in Ladera Ranch, California.
High School Pitching Coach
Schooler was the pitching coach for the San Clemente High School baseball team, in San Clemente, CA since, 2009. He is currently coaching High school baseball at San Juan Hills High School in San Juan Capistrano, CA, since 2014