Mike Andrews

3.1. Minor League Development

Andrews' baseball skills attracted the attention of the Boston Red Sox, who signed him as an amateur free agent on December 1, 1961, with a signing bonus of 12.00 K USD. He spent the subsequent five years progressing through the Red Sox's farm system. For his first four seasons in the minors, he played as a shortstop. He demonstrated strong offensive capabilities early in his career, batting .299 with the Class D Olean (NY) Red Sox of the New York-Penn League in 1962, a combined .298 with the Waterloo Hawks and Winston-Salem Red Sox in 1963, and .295 with the Reading Red Sox in 1964. However, his defensive performance at shortstop was challenging, as evidenced by 74, 36, and 42 errors in those respective seasons. His final two years in the minors were spent with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team that won back-to-back Governors' Cup championships under manager Dick Williams. After his batting average dropped to .246 in 1965, Andrews was successfully transitioned to second base. In response to this positional change, he batted .267 in 1966, hitting 14 homers and leading the International League with 97 runs scored.

3.2. Major League Debut and Early Years (Boston Red Sox)

Andrews earned a promotion to the Boston Red Sox in September 1966. At the time, the Red Sox were struggling, barely avoiding the American League cellar by only 1/2 game. He appeared in five contests that month, all as a starter. His major league debut occurred on September 18 against the California Angels at Fenway Park, where he went hitless in four at bats but scored one run. Six days later, at Yankee Stadium, he recorded his first major league hit, a single off New York's Fritz Peterson. Andrews added two more hits in the season finale against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park.

In 1967, Andrews was reunited with his former minor league manager, Dick Williams, who had been newly promoted to manage the Red Sox. Andrews began his rookie season on the bench, as Reggie Smith was initially preferred at second base after being shifted from center field. However, by late April, Andrews had secured the role of regular second baseman for the majority of the season, while Smith, who had been struggling defensively, returned to his original position in center field.

3.3. Chicago White Sox Stint

On December 1, 1970, Andrews was traded along with Luis Alvarado to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Luis Aparicio. During his tenure with the White Sox, Andrews' batting performance declined. He hit just .237 in 1971 and was eventually released on July 16, 1973, having posted a batting average of only .201 in the season he was released.

3.4. Oakland Athletics and the 1973 World Series Controversy

Following his release from the White Sox, Andrews was acquired by the Oakland Athletics on July 31, 1973. This transaction was specifically requested by his former manager, Dick Williams, despite objections from the controversial team owner, Charlie Finley. Andrews was included on the Athletics' postseason roster and appeared in two games of the 1973 American League Championship Series, entering both as a pinch hitter.

The most defining moment of Andrews' career, however, occurred in Game 2 of the 1973 World Series against the New York Mets. In the top of the twelfth inning, with the score 7-6 in favor of the Mets, Andrews committed two critical errors that directly led to four unearned runs, securing a 10-7 victory for New York. With two outs and the bases loaded, John Milner hit a ground ball that went through Andrews' legs for the first error, allowing Tug McGraw and Willie Mays to score. Moments later, Jerry Grote hit another ground ball to Andrews, whose throw to first base pulled Gene Tenace off the bag, resulting in his second error, which allowed Cleon Jones to score.

In a highly controversial move, Oakland owner Charlie Finley, enraged by Andrews' errors, coerced him into signing a false affidavit claiming injury. This action was designed to make Andrews ineligible to play for the remainder of the series, an attempt by Finley to remove the player from the roster without following proper league protocols. However, Andrews' teammates and manager Dick Williams vehemently rallied to his defense, showing an extraordinary display of solidarity. They publicly supported Andrews, with some even placing his jersey number, "17," onto their own uniforms using athletic tape. The situation escalated to the point where Commissioner Bowie Kuhn intervened, asserting his authority by forcing Finley to reinstate Andrews to the active roster, emphasizing the importance of fair play and protecting player integrity.

Andrews subsequently entered Game 4 as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning, receiving a sympathetic standing ovation from the Mets fans in attendance, acknowledging the unfair pressure he had endured. Despite the support, Andrews grounded out. True to his earlier aggressive stance, Finley ordered Andrews benched for the remainder of the Series. On November 1, eleven days after the A's secured their second consecutive World Series title, Andrews was given his unconditional release. He never played another major league game, effectively ending his MLB career under the shadow of the incident.

3.5. Japanese Baseball Experience

After his departure from Major League Baseball, Michael Andrews continued his professional baseball career briefly in Japan. In 1975, he played for the Kintetsu Buffaloes (now part of the Orix Buffaloes) under the registered name アンドリウス_Andoriusu^Japanese. He participated in 123 games, appearing as an infielder for the team. This marked his final season as a professional baseball player before his retirement from the sport.

4.1. Chairman of The Jimmy Fund

Andrews' long and impactful association with The Jimmy Fund began during his rookie season with the Red Sox in 1967. He was approached by Bill Koster, then the charity's chairman, with a request to meet a twelve-year-old cancer patient. Andrews readily agreed and spent a meaningful half-hour with the young boy. After their meeting, Andrews, moved by the boy's optimism, discussed the encounter with Koster, who then revealed the heartbreaking news that the youngster was being discharged because his condition was terminal, and doctors had exhausted all treatment options. This profound experience deeply affected Andrews and laid the foundation for his future commitment to the organization.

In 1979, Andrews received an offer from Ken Coleman, who was then the executive director of The Jimmy Fund, to join the organization as an assistant director. Andrews accepted the position on the condition that it remain part-time, as he was simultaneously working for the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, which he had joined after his baseball career ended. Eventually, Andrews left the insurance business to serve full-time with The Jimmy Fund. His dedication and leadership culminated in his appointment as chairman of the organization in 1984. He held this crucial role for 25 years, overseeing significant fundraising efforts and providing vital support to cancer patients and their families. Andrews officially retired from his position as chairman at the end of 2009, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service and advocacy for a crucial humanitarian cause.

5.1. Major League Batting Statistics

5.2. Major League Fielding Statistics

5.3. Japanese Professional Baseball Statistics

5.4. Jersey Numbers

Throughout his professional baseball career, Michael Andrews wore several jersey numbers:

• 2 (1966-1973, for the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox)
• 17 (1973, for the Oakland Athletics during part of the 1973 season)
• 4 (1975, for the Kintetsu Buffaloes)

6.1. Evaluation of Playing Career

As a baseball player, Michael Andrews was a dependable infielder, particularly after his transition to second base, known for his ability to get on base and contribute offensively. His early minor league years showed promise with strong batting averages and a capacity for scoring runs. In the Major Leagues, he established himself as a regular second baseman for the Red Sox, consistently demonstrating solid offensive metrics, including seasons with over 100 hits and significant numbers of doubles and home runs.

However, the 1973 World Series incident profoundly impacted his public perception and ultimately the trajectory of his career. The two critical errors in Game 2, compounded by owner Charlie Finley's coercive actions, created a narrative of a player unjustly treated. While the incident effectively ended his MLB career, the outpouring of support from his teammates, manager Dick Williams, and Commissioner Bowie Kuhn highlighted a collective defense of player dignity against an owner's overreach. This solidarity transformed a moment of personal struggle into a broader commentary on fairness and human respect within professional sports, shaping how his playing career is often remembered.

6.2. Philanthropic Impact and Recognition

Michael Andrews' most enduring and widely recognized legacy stems from his extensive and dedicated work as chairman of The Jimmy Fund. His profound personal connection to the cause, stemming from a deeply impactful encounter with a young cancer patient early in his career, fueled a lifelong commitment to the organization. Over his 25-year tenure as chairman, Andrews played a pivotal role in fundraising, awareness campaigns, and direct support for cancer patients and their families through the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

His leadership helped The Jimmy Fund grow and continue its vital mission, providing critical financial and emotional support to those battling cancer. Andrews' consistent dedication to this charitable work cemented his public image as a compassionate and impactful figure beyond the realm of professional sports. His unwavering commitment to helping others, particularly vulnerable cancer patients, is a testament to his character and represents a powerful example of using one's platform for significant social good. His philanthropic endeavors are celebrated as a profound positive contribution to public welfare and health.