Kevin Mitchell

Kevin Darnell Mitchell (born January 13, 1962 in San Diego, California) is a former American Major League Baseball left fielder. He became widely known not only for his occasional brilliance on the field, but also for his unpredictable and sometimes volatile behavior off the field. As a youth, Mitchell was shot three times in situations resulting from his involvement in street gangs. Mitchell allegedly fought with fellow rookie Darryl Strawberry ... more

Kevin Darnell Mitchell (born January 13, 1962 in San Diego, California) is a former American Major League Baseball left fielder. He became widely known not only for his occasional brilliance on the field, but also for his unpredictable and sometimes volatile behavior off the field. As a youth, Mitchell was shot three times in situations resulting from his involvement in street gangs. Mitchell allegedly fought with fellow rookie Darryl Strawberry during a pick-up basketball game in 1982 shortly after both were drafted and signed by the New York Mets. In Amazin', Peter Golenbock's oral history of the New York Mets, Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter said he gave Mitchell the nickname "World" for his ability to play in the infield and outfield. Carter spoke fondly of Mitchell's talents. An urban legend involving Mitchell holds that during the Mets' championship run in 1986, during an argument with his then live-in girlfriend, Mitchell decapitated her cat. The story first came to light in... less