Played college baseball at the United States Naval Academy...required to serve five years following graduation before reporting to Cardinals...honored twice as a 3rd-team All-American (2006-pitcher, 2007-utility) and was on the Brooks Wallace (National Player of the Year) and Roger Clemens(National Pitcher of the Year) Award Watch List in 2007 and 2008...was the second highest draft pick in Navy history when he was drafted in 2008...compiled a 20-13 record with a 2.51 ERA and 11.78 strikeouts/9 IP over a four-year career for the Midshipmen...ranks 1st and 2nd in strikeouts/9 IP in a single season in school history...set the Patriot League record with 119 strikeouts in 2007...played both ways, batting .295 with 16 HR and 112 RBI in his career...2006 Patriot League Pitcher of the Year...attained the rank of Lieutenant...previously drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 24th round of the 2007 draft, but did not sign...Mitch and his wife, Mandi, reside in Flowery Branch, Ga.
2015
Began the season in Memphis (AAA) before making his MLB debut in just his third year since completing five years of active service in the United States Navy…Struck out the first batter he faced (A. Lind) after entering the game in relief of Adam Wainwright, who was removed from the game suffering from an Achilles injury…Was purchased on 4/21 and made his Major League debut 4/25 in Milwaukee, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings…Became the second United States Naval Academy graduate to pitch in the Major Leagues and first to appear in a Major League game since Nemo Gaines (1921, Washington Senators)…Did not allow a run in his first seven MLB appearances (7.2 IP)…Had four appearances of 2.0 innings, all scoreless…Earned first career MLB win on 5/5 vs. CHI, tossing a scoreless inning in a 7-4 win…Had nine straight scoreless appearances from 6/7-9/7 (10.0 IP)…Was placed on the 15-day disabled list on 7/9 with a right groin strain (through 7/26). Made four appearances at Memphis on a rehab assignment and pitched 4.0 innings, allowing four hits and a single run, with 4K's…Appeared in 25 games with Memphis and nailed down four saves in five opportunities.