{{short description|American baseball player (born 1993)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}} {{Infobox baseball biography | name = Patrick Mazeika | image = Patrick Mazeika (230305-F-CQ970-0458) (cropped).jpg | caption = Mazeika with the Los Angeles Dodgers during spring training in 2023 | team = Free agent | number = | position = Catcher | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|10|14}} | birth_place = Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | bats = Left | throws = Right | debutleague = MLB | debutdate = May 5 | debutyear = 2021 | debutteam = New York Mets | statleague = MLB | statyear = 2022 season | stat1label = Batting average | stat1value = .190 | stat3label = Home runs | stat3value = 2 | stat4label = Runs batted in | stat4value = 12 | teams = * New York Mets ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2022}}) }} '''Patrick Alan Mazeika''' (born October 14, 1993) is an American professional baseball player who is a catcher who is a free agent. He played college baseball at Stetson University, and was drafted by the New York Mets in the eighth round of the 2015 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2021.
==Amateur career== Mazeika played varsity baseball as an eighth grader at Wilbraham & Monson Academy before transferring to Salisbury School for high school. At Salisbury, he played baseball, football and basketball. As a senior, he registered a batting average of .605.<ref name="childs">{{cite news |last1=Woronoff |first1=Brent |title=Child's play: Stetson's Mazeika top freshman hitter in the nation |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/2013/05/21/childs-play-stetsons-mazeika-top-freshman-hitter-in-the-nation/30623866007/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |work=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |date=May 21, 2013}}</ref>
After high school, he played college baseball at Stetson University. As a freshman, he was named the ASUN Freshman of the Year. Prior to the start of that year's conference tournament, his .392 batting average led the conference as well as all freshmen in NCAA Division I.<ref name="childs" /> In 2013, playing first base as a freshman, he batted .382(2nd in the Atlantic Sun Conference)/.489(1st)/.495 for Stetson, with 32 walks (10th) and 14 hit by pitch (3rd).<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://gohatters.com/sports/baseball/roster/patrick-mazeika/4196|title=Patrick Mazeika - Baseball|website=Stetson University Athletics}}</ref><ref name=minors>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mazeik000pat|title=Patrick Mazeika Amateur, College, Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He was named ''Baseball America'' Freshman All-America, 1st team (2013), ''Collegiate Baseball'' Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American (2013), NCBWA Freshman All-America, 1st team (2013), Atlantic Sun Conference Freshman of the Year (2013), Atlantic Sun All-Conference, 1st team (2013), and Atlantic Sun Conference All-Freshman (2013).<ref name="auto"/> In 2013, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=467379&seasonid=21954 |title=Patrick Mazeika - Profile |publisher=pointstreak.com |access-date=May 6, 2021}}</ref>
In 2014 with Stetson, playing catcher, he batted .354 (9th in the conference)/.479 (3rd)/.471 with 18 doubles (5th), 34 walks (5th), and 17 hit by pitch (1st).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?id=2e529d05&type=bat|title=2014 Atlantic Sun Conference Batting Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He was named Atlantic Sun Conference, 2nd team (2014).<ref name="auto"/> He returned to the CCBL in 2014 to play for the Chatham Anglers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=576207&seasonid=26713 |title=#4 Patrick Mazeika - Profile |publisher=pointstreak.com |access-date=May 6, 2021}}</ref> In 2015 with Stetson, he batted .307/.439(7th)/.485 with 53 RBIs (8th), 33 walks (6th), and 17 hit by pitch (2nd).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?id=441314fa&type=bat|title=2015 Atlantic Sun Conference Batting Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref>
==Professional career==
===New York Mets=== Mazeika was drafted by the New York Mets in the eighth round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft with the 239th pick overall. He started playing in the Mets organization in 2015 with the Kingsport Mets, batting .354 (3rd in the Appalachian League)/.452 (3rd)/.540 (7th) with 44 runs (6th), 27 doubles (1st), 48 RBIs (2nd), and 17 hit by pitch (1st).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?id=368ab1bd&type=bat|title=2015 Appalachian League Batting Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He was named an Appalachian League Post-Season All-Star and an MiLB Organization All Star.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/patrick-mazeika-664850|title=Patrick Mazeika Stats, Fantasy & News|website=MiLB.com}}</ref> He was promoted to the Columbia Fireflies in 2016, played catcher, and batted .305/.414/.402.
Mazeika then split time during the 2017 season with the St. Lucie Mets in the FSL and, later, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, batting a combined .290/.389/.416. He was named an FSL mid-season All Star and post-season All Star.<ref name="auto1"/> He played the next two seasons in Binghamton, and was named an Eastern League mid-season All Star in both 2018 and 2019,<ref name="auto1"/> before a brief period in 2019 playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League for 25 games.
Mazeika was called up to the majors for the first time on August 25, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/college/2020/08/25/patrick-mazeika-former-stetson-catcher-called-up-new-york-mets/3435453001/|title=Former Stetson star Patrick Mazeika set to make MLB debut with New York Mets|work=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online|date=August 25, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2020}}</ref> He was then demoted to the alternate training site on August 26.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mets' Patrick Mazeika: Moved to alternate camp|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mets-patrick-mazeika-moved-to-alternate-camp/|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=CBS Sports|date=August 26, 2020}}</ref> Mazeika was called up for a second time on August 28,<ref>{{cite web|title=Andres Gimenez, Michael Wacha, David Peterson and Jake Marisnick come off Mets' injured list|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/andres-gimenez-jake-marisnick-michael-wacha-david-peterson-injured-list-p12130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417003414/https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/andres-gimenez-jake-marisnick-michael-wacha-david-peterson-injured-list-1.48682246|url-status=live|archive-date=April 17, 2021|access-date=September 4, 2020|work=Newsday|date=August 29, 2020}}</ref> but was demoted a second time on August 29.
On May 5, 2021, Mazeika was recalled to the majors after Brandon Nimmo was placed on the injured list.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McShane |first1=Chris |title=Mets place Brandon Nimmo on injured list, call up Patrick Mazeika |url=https://www.amazinavenue.com/2021/5/5/22422100/mets-brandon-nimmo-injury-injured-list-patrick-mazeika-new-york |access-date=May 6, 2021 |work=Amazin' Avenue |publisher=SB Nation |date=May 5, 2021}}</ref> Mazeika made his MLB debut that day as a pinch hitter for Miguel Castro, grounding out to St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in his only at-bat.
On May 7, 2021, in only his second at bat in the big leagues, Mazeika was the hero in the bottom of the 10th inning during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. With the bases loaded, he hit into a fielder's choice, bringing Pete Alonso home from third base. It was his first walk-off RBI, as well as his first RBI in the MLB. The Mets won the game 5–4, completing a comeback from a 4–0 deficit.<ref>{{cite news |last1=FLM |title=Mets look to take series from Diamondbacks |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mets-look-to-take-series-from-diamondbacks/ |access-date=May 12, 2021 |work=CBSSports.com |publisher=CBS Sports |date=May 8, 2021}}</ref> Then on May 11, during an interleague game against the Baltimore Orioles, Mazeika, in his fourth Major League plate appearance, was the hero again. He had another walk-off fielder's choice ground ball in the bottom of the 9th inning that drove Jonathan Villar in to score, allowing the Mets to prevail 3–2, and becoming the first player since RBI became an official statistic in 1920 to have multiple walk-off RBI within his first four career games.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DiComo |first1=Anthony |title=Rookie walk-off specialist makes MLB history |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/patrick-mazeika-hits-another-walk-off-fielder-s-choice |access-date=May 12, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=May 12, 2021}}</ref> Although chronologically his first hit came on May 16, 2021, when he hit a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays, he is actually credited with a double on April 11, 2021, during a suspended game against the Marlins that was resumed on August 31, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Patrick Mazeika 2021 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=mazeipa01&t=b&year=2021 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=May 21, 2023}}</ref>
On August 18, 2022, Mazeika was designated for assignment by the Mets.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mets Claim Yolmer Sanchez, Designate Patrick Mazeika|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/08/mets-claim-yolmer-sanchez-dfa-patrick-mazeika.html|access-date=August 18, 2022|work=MLB Trade Rumors|date=August 18, 2022}}</ref>
===San Francisco Giants=== On August 20, 2022, Mazeika was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants. He was designated for assignment on September 12.<ref>{{cite web |title=Giants' Patrick Mazeika: Booted from 40-man roster |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/giants-patrick-mazeika-booted-from-40-man-roster/ |website=CBS Sports |access-date=June 20, 2023 |date=September 12, 2022}}</ref> Mazeika cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple–A Sacramento River Cats on September 15.<ref>{{cite web |title=Giants' Patrick Mazeika: Outrighted to Triple-A |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/giants-patrick-mazeika-outrighted-to-triple-a/ |access-date=June 20, 2023 |website=CBS Sports |date=September 15, 2022}}</ref> In 13 games in Sacramento, he hit .235/.291/.392 with 2 home runs and 6 RBI. Mazeika elected free agency following the season on November 10.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pontes |first1=Geoff |title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/ |access-date=June 20, 2023 |website=baseballamerica.com |date=November 13, 2022}}</ref>
===Los Angeles Dodgers=== On December 13, 2022, Mazeika signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/player/patrick-mazeika-664850 | title=Patrick Mazeika Stats, Fantasy & News | website=MLB.com}}</ref> He played in 52 games for the Triple–A Oklahoma City Dodgers, hitting .214 with one home run and 17 RBI.<ref name=minors/> Mazeika was released by the Dodgers organization on September 1, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|last=Minami|first=Craig|title=Dodgers minors: Joendry Vargas, Kendall George, Jerming Rosario|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2023/9/2/23855933/dodgers-minor-league-report-joendry-vargas-kendall-george-jerming-rosario|access-date=September 2, 2023|website=truebluela.com|date=September 2, 2023}}</ref>
===Gastonia Baseball Club=== On April 18, 2024, Mazeika signed with the Gastonia Baseball Club of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB).<ref>{{Cite web|title=2024 Transactions|url=http://baseball.pointstreak.com/transactions.html?leagueid=174&seasonid=33927|access-date=April 22, 2024|website=baseball.pointstreak.com}}</ref> In 47 games for Gastonia, Mazeika hit .284/.389/.617 with 14 home runs and 42 RBI.
===Diablos Rojos del México=== On July 5, 2024, Mazeika's contract was purchased by the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican Baseball League (LMB).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Transactions|url=http://baseball.pointstreak.com/transactions.html?leagueid=174&seasonid=33927|access-date=July 5, 2024|website=baseball.pointstreak.com}}</ref> In 13 games, he hit .250/.357/.354 with no home runs, six RBI, and one stolen base. With the team, Mazeika won the Serie del Rey. In the playoffs, he hit .289 with four home runs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=LMB: ¡Los Diablos Rojos se llevan al infierno su título 17 y reinan en lo más alto de la Liga Mexicana de Beisbol!|url=https://www.milb.com/news/lmb-los-diablos-rojos-se-llevan-al-infierno-su-titulo-17-y-reinan-en-lo-mas-alto-de-la-liga-mexicana-de-beisbol|access-date=November 14, 2024|website=milb.com|language=es-MX|date=September 10, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 6 de febrero de 2025|url=https://lmb.com.mx/noticias/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-6-de-febrero-de-2025|access-date=February 7, 2025|website=lmb.com.mx|language=es-MX|date=February 6, 2025}}</ref>
===Gastonia Ghost Peppers=== On April 21, 2025, Mazeika signed with the Gastonia Ghost Peppers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Patrick Mazeika & Raynel Espinal Join Ghost Peppers|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/patrick-mazeika--raynel-espinal-join-ghost-peppers/n-6217324|access-date=April 22, 2025|website=oursportscentral.com|date=April 21, 2025}}</ref> In 35 appearances for Gastonia, Mazeika batted .218/.294/.347 with two home runs and 15 RBI.
===Diablos Rojos del México (second stint)=== On June 16, 2025, Mazeika's contract was purchased by the Diablos Rojos del México of the LMB.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mazeika to Mexico: Catcher Picked up by Diablos Rojos for Second Straight Season|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/mazeika-to-mexico-catcher-picked-up-by-diablos-rojos-for-second-straight-season/n-6242354|access-date=June 16, 2025|website=oursportscentral.com|date=June 16, 2025}}</ref> In 11 games for the team, he hit .371/.463/.657 with two home runs and 12 RBI. For the second straight year, Mazeika won the Serie del Rey.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Skodnick|first=Leif|title=2025 Serie Del Rey Notebook: Jose Marmolejos Wins MVP Award, Wins Fourth Championship In Two Years|url=https://worldbaseball.com/2025-serie-del-rey-notebook-jose-marmolejos-wins-mvp-award-wins-fourth-championship-in-two-years/|access-date=February 1, 2026|website=worldbaseball.com|date=September 15, 2025}}</ref> He became a free agent following the season.
===Saraperos de Saltillo=== On February 10, 2026, Mazeika signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the LMB.<ref>{{cite web |title=Patrick Mazeika, Deolis Guerra y Matthew Batten llegan al Sarape |url=https://www.saraperos.com.mx/noticia/untitled-3 |website=saraperos.com.mx |access-date=February 23, 2026 |language=es-MX |date=February 10, 2026}}</ref> He made two appearances for Saltillo, going 0-for-5. Mazeika was released by the Saraperos on April 20.<ref>{{cite web |title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 20 de abril de 2026 |url=https://lmb.com.mx/noticias/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-20-de-abril-de-2026 |website=lmb.com.mx |access-date=April 21, 2026 |language=es-MX |date=April 20, 2026}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{baseballstats|mlb=664850|espn=37496|br=m/mazeipa01|fangraphs=sa827167|brm=mazeik000pat|retro=M/Pmazep001}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mazeika, Patrick}} Category:1993 births Category:Living people Category:American expatriate baseball players in Mexico Category:Baseball players from Springfield, Massachusetts Category:Binghamton Rumble Ponies players Category:Chatham Anglers players Category:Columbia Fireflies players Category:Cotuit Kettleers players Category:Diablos Rojos del México players Category:Gastonia Ghost Peppers players Category:Kingsport Mets players Category:Major League Baseball catchers Category:New York Mets players Category:Oklahoma City Dodgers players Category:Sacramento River Cats players Category:Saraperos de Saltillo players Category:Scottsdale Scorpions players Category:St. Lucie Mets players Category:Stetson Hatters baseball players Category:Syracuse Mets players