COACHING CAREER: Mike Stefanski is in his 10th season on the Major League coaching staff...on Jan. 27, 2004 he retired as a player and joined the Reds' staff as the bullpen catcher.
PLAYING CAREER: In his minor league career appeared in 786 games behind the plate but also played 60 games at 1B, 25 games at 3B and 18 games in the OF...made four appearances as a pitcher (0-0, 5.40), all in relief...in 1994 was a Texas League All-Star...was named California League Batter of the Week for 5/2-5/8, 1993 (.591)...in 1991, his first professional season, won the Arizona League batting championship (.364)...originally was selected by the Brewers in the 40th round of the June 1991 free-agent draft...was signed by Larry Keller...on Oct. 19, 1995 was acquired by the Cardinals in exchange for C Mark Ronan...on Nov. 12, 1999 was signed by the Reds as a minor league free agent...on Nov. 9, 2000 was signed by the Cardinals as a minor league free agent...beginning with the 2002 season signed minor league contracts with the Reds for three consecutive years (Jan. 18, 2002, Dec. 24, 2002, Nov. 7, 2003)...retired as a player on Jan. 27, 2004.
PERSONAL: In 1987 graduated from Redford Union High School in Redford, Mich., where he played baseball and basketball...attended the University of Detroit, where twice he was All-Conference in baseball...also attended Detroit Mercy College...wife's name is Ysela (pronounced ee-SELL-uh)...they have three children, Shelbie, Michael and Lauren.
