Former pitcher Mikkelsen dies

Yakima Herald Republic

12/1/2006

Pete Mikkelsen, who pitched for the New York Yankees in the 1964 World Series, died Wednesday at his Mabton home. He was 67.

A right-handed pitcher, Mikkelsen was a rookie that season with the Yankees, whose pitching staff featured Mabton native Mel Stottlemyre.

Mikkelsen went 7-4 during the regular season and was 0-1 in the Series, where the Yankees were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He appeared in all four Series games, pitching 4 2/3 innings.

Primarily a reliever, Mikkelsen spent nine seasons in the major leagues, finishing 45-40 with 49 saves and a solid 3.38 earned-run average. He appeared in 364 games with the Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers, compiling 653 innings and 436 strikeouts.

After finishing his playing career with the Dodgers in 1973, Mikkelsen moved to Prosser and began farming.

Mikkelsen was born on Oct. 25, 1939 in New York City. He is survived by his mother, Alice Mikkelsen of Prossser, and his companion of seven years, Barbara Breeze of Mabton.

There will be no formal service. Those wishing to honor Mikkelsen can make a contribution to the American Cancer Society.