Michael Corkins

MICHAEL PATRICK CORKINSMay 25, 1946 - November 27, 2023Lake Havasu City, AZ / Riverside, CAMike (Fearless) Corkins 77, passed away after lengthy health issues on the evening of November 27, 2023. His death occurred at his daughter's home where he lived in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Mike was born on May 25, 1946, to James (Rocky) Corkins and Diana Treiber in Riverside, CA. In 1965 he married his high school sweetheart Junelle Smith. They in turn had two children, Michael Jr (Mickey) and Kimberly (Kim).During Mike's youth he was considered an elite athlete, excelling in Baseball as a Pitcher, Track and Field as a Pole Vaulter, High Jumper, Shot Putter and in Football as a Punter. In Baseball, he led his 1962 Colt League All-Star team to theWorld Series in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He was a star Pitcher for Rubidoux High School in 1964 with a 16-0 record and was named CIF Southern Section Player of the Year. Mike and his friend Bobby Bonds immediately signed contracts to play Professional Baseball with the San Francisco Giants. After his first year in the minors, he was chosen to attend Winter Ball. On the flight to the Dominican Republic, his plane was hijacked to Cuba (at that time, very dangerous). He said nothing exceptional happened as the flight attendants just gave each passenger extra wine while they sat on the tarmac.During the 1968 baseball season, Mike was assigned to the Giants' Double A team in Elmira, NY. He displayed his talents by tossing a No-Hit complete game. Late in 1968 the San Diego Padres became an expansion team. Each existing Major League franchise had to give up two top prospects to the Padres, so the Padres chose Mike from the Giants' 40-man roster. In 1969 he made his major league debut against the Houston Astros, and it was pretty rocky as mentioned in the book "Ball Four" by Jim Bouton. The book cites infielder Marty Martinez as yelling from the dugout, "Welcome to the National League kid." Later that year in September of 1969 Mike threw a fastball to Willie Mays who deposited it in the bleachers for his historical 600th Home Run. That ball is currently being displayed in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY. As a Padre, besides being a pitcher, he also pinch hit many times. In 1973 he hit 3 Home Runs (a lot for a pitcher at that time!). In 1972 against the Cincinnati Reds, Mike struck out Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench and Tony Perez in consecutive at-bats. That is a lot of Hall of Famers and/or should be Hall of Famers. In all, he played 5 years in the Major Leagues from 1969 thru 1974 before tearing the Rotator Cuff in his right shoulder. After Tommy John surgery he never recovered from the injury and retired very young.Throughout Mike's life he loved Body Building, muscle cars (he owned several), fast boats (he owned several) and drag racing. Mike managed Quality Tool Company in North Riverside for a few years, then dabbled in painting cars and boats. Later in life he formed a wrought iron gate company in Lake Havasu City, AZ and worked it for many years until his retirement. Mike is survived by his daughter Kim (Dale) Goethe and son Mickey Corkins, grandkids Brytney (Tim) Miller, Brandon Goethe, and Madison Corkins, stepchildren Christian Carlesso, Denis Carlesso and Crystal (Smitty) Rensel. Additionally, there are three great grandkids Bentley Miller, Grayson & Londyn Goethe, and one step great grand child Scarlett Richards. He is also survived by his sisters Cheryl Heisler, Carole Schaffer, Vicky (Dave) Fowler and brother Ray (Marsha) Elder, as well as several stepbrothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by both parents and his brother James (Moey). It should also be mentioned that he maintained close friendships with childhood friends Jim (Cat) Reno, Don (Mo) Moore, and Mike (Miguel) Stafford.