5/19/25 : Same Game - Different Dirt
- Steve Potter
- 22 minutes ago
- 5 min read
When Mick Abel took the mound yesterday I can pretty much guarantee you that every Phillies player development person or minor league organization mate that was able to watch was. It’s always a special day when a minor league player graduates to the show for their debut. Some go better than others - ya all know by now that Mick’s was spectacular.
There are multiple articles available today about his performance and the change in demeanor that got him there. What I will tell you about is the consistency of effort, competitiveness and the support that has been constant since day one of his pro debut on the mound in Clearwater on 5/5/21 against the Lakeland Flying Tigers. That starting lineup included a centerfielder named Johan Rojas - they are the only two players who played for the Threshers that day to have reached the major leagues to date albeit others are still climbing. My comments from that game in the Minor League Round Up article I published (yes I still have those notes 🥸) were “went 2 1/3 innings - 4 R - 3 earned, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K’s - fastball was in 96-98 range early innings and then 94-96 near the end ... left a few pitches up when the Flying Tigers scored three in the third - they hit em hard. Chalk it up to a learning experience ... definitely has good stuff, ball moves with cutting action at high velocity.”
Mick never stops learning - the comment from his first game has always held true. He’s a sponge for knowledge, the data and analysis era of Phillies player development was in it’s build up stage when Mick was drafted, in fact Pitching Development Director Travis Hergert had just been hired in December of 2019 as Minor League Assistant Pitching Coordinator and then promoted to Coordinator in June of 2020 - Mick was drafted in the first round of the abbreviated 2020 draft that same month. Mick’s desire to learn coupled with Travis and his staff’s desire and ability to teach became a perfect match. Of course there was no 2020 season due to Covid and the season opened on a delay in 2021 but the wheels were in motion.
After a brief setback due to back discomfort ended his 2021 season in July Mick opened the next year in Jersey Shore and finished with Double A Reading. He established himself as a hurler who always took the ball and competed, one who would not miss a turn. He made 23 starts in 2022 tossing 108.1 innings, in 2023 between Reading and Lehigh Valley he made 23 more starts (113.1 IP) making his AAA level debut as a just turned 22 year old.
There was some tweaking needed (there always is in the player development process) for the upcoming 2024 season - in particular adjustments to his “ball takeaway” out of the glove to address potential tipping and an altered arm slot angle were focused on. A clubhouse virus illness in spring camp spread and Mick unfortunately caught it, a setback that cost both weight and strength over an elongated period. Mick persevered though, he never wavered and took the baseball for 24 more starts (108.2 IP) for LHV in the ‘24 regular season. It was a year of struggle, during the season he was offered the option of being placed on the development list coming to the complex to work thru rebuilding strength and tightening his mechanics but he chose to compete and learn thru the process of actual game play. All the while he constantly worked on pitch sequence, release point, grips and delivery absorbing knowledge.
Mick has always been a pitcher with big stuff who strives to also use pitch ability. As the 2024 season wore on and critics became more vocal that focus was not lost but it never seemed self confidence wavered. That’s where the support really shined, his family and friends rallied around him knowing and believing in him as did his coaches and Phillies player development leadership. After most games I text multiple players to acknowledge/encourage their performances and chat about it if they want. After a game in July Mick told me that he had taken a break from social media but was focused on getting back to what he does best, he acknowledged the season’s struggle and was committed to rebuilding consistency. Told me “It’s always refreshing knowing I’ve got you and others rooting for me!” I also text on occasion with his dad Neil, the family support was quite evident from those interactions.
This past Fall I got a chance to chat with Mick during High Performance Camp One - he seemed to look much stronger physically and it was evident that persevering thru a tough season had worn on him but also built a quiet thirst to show what he could really do. A November chat with Coach Hergert and Phillies Pitching Coach Caleb Cotham reinforced the competitive approach but with a less outward emotion - to become a “silent assassin”, to take a me versus you mindset against hitters, to not think as much on things other than getting outs - to just be Mick. He threw in just one Grapefruit League game this spring but we saw him in minor league games and bullpens, it was evident the stuff was ticking upwards and the mantra had been accepted.
He got off to a great start with the IronPigs this year, told me he was “working hard and staying focused, that good things happen when he doesn’t try so hard.” Despite his success the naysayers persisted, one “astute” writer said on a podcast that he was no longer a prospect given his age - an unbelievably stupid comment. Then came the call up - Mick was told he was going to the show! I messaged him my congratulations and told him to go at em, that big leaguers were no different than other people. He told me “Thank you Steve, Same game, different dirt!”. I knew he was gonna be just fine by that comment.
So yesterday came, I like many others watched with great anticipation, calling every pitch along with Raffy and delighted in the results as Mick earned the dub with six scoreless frames. In the stands were members of his village of support, family, friends and coaches - yes Coach Hergert was there watching as well. It was a great day for Mick, the organization and the support group. I sent him a message afterwards as well as one to his dad along with others throughout the organization with the heading “Not a prospect - my ass 😂”. His dad wrote back “Thank you for doing what you do! What a special day!”
Indeed it was, and it’s just the beginning of what hopefully will become a long major league career for Mick - for now he heads back to AAA Lehigh Valley to continue “Protecting the Standard”. Just know this Mick will be Mick no matter where he pitches for it’s always gonna be the “same game, different dirt.” That’s good stuff!
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Note : I've partnered with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.