Mike Hollimon

Michael T. Hollimon (born June 14, 1982) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) second baseman and shortstop. After a collegiate baseball career at the University of Texas and Oral Roberts University, Hollimon entered professional baseball with the Detroit Tigers organization in 2005. He played professionally through 2012, including a short stint with the 2008 Tigers, during which he played 11 major-league games.

Early life Hollimon was born in Dallas in 1982 to Stuart and Jan Hollimon. He attended Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas. As a senior in 2001, Hollimon batted .446 and was recognized by Baseball America as a Third–Team All–American.

Before the 2001 MLB draft, Baseball America said that Hollimon might be drafted somewhere between the second and fifth rounds, but they noted that three factors might cause him to enter the University of Texas rather than signing a major-league contract: he had not had an overly impressive senior season; he was being advised by player agent Scott Boras; and he was looking for a $2 million signing bonus. The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Hollimon in the 32nd round, but he attended the University of Texas instead of joining the Dodgers organization. The Minnesota Twins picked Hollimon in the 49th round of the 2003 draft, but he chose to stay at Texas. In July, Hollimon was honored as Detroit's Minor League Player of the Month. Hollimon made his MLB debut on June 9 against the Cleveland Indians. His first big–league hit, a 5th–inning single off of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Todd Wellemeyer, came on June 26. During a game played at Safeco Field on July 3, Hollimon hit his first MLB home run against Seattle Mariners pitcher Mark Lowe. Overall, Hollimon batted .261 in 11 games at the major league level, with one homer and two RBI.

On March 6, 2010, Detroit released Hollimon. He spent 2010 with the Grand Prairie AirHogs, a member of an independent league. Hollimon saw action in 55 games, batting .256, hitting 6 home runs, driving in 36 runs, and stealing 10 bases.

Minnesota Twins Hollimon signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins on December 18, 2010. He split the 2011 season between the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats and the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. Hollimon appeared in 97 games for New Britain, batting .223 and tallying 16 homers and 52 RBI. He had a .257 average with Rochester, totaling 2 home runs and 10 RBI over 29 games.

Hollimon appeared in 59 games for Rochester during the 2012 season. He hit 5 homers, drove in 14 runs, and posted a .223 batting average. After the season, he became a free agent.