Mike was an overpowering right-handed pitcher who was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1989 and played three years in their farm system. In 1989, he pitched for the Great Falls Dodgers in Great Falls, Montana. His team won the Pioneer League World Series, and he was the winning pitcher of Game 7. He was Player of the Game. In 1990 and 1991, Potthoff pitched for the Bakersfield Dodgers in the California League.

In 1984, Potthoff was the top pitcher on the Francis Howell High School team that had 27 wins and only three losses. He was named to the All-Conference team and the All-Metro team. He also played a major role in Cottleville-Harvester’s drive to the 1984 state American Legion title.

From 1985-89, Potthoff was a standout pitcher for the University of Missouri – Columbia. In 1988-89, he was selected to the All-Big 8 Conference second team. In 1988, he was the top pitcher on the Mizzou team that advanced to the regional playoffs. He was chosen the conference’s Pitcher of the Week twice.

Potthoff pitched in the St. Louis Metro Collegiate League for Sverdrup in 1985 and EECU in 1986.

Mike coached the Missouri Warriors baseball team from 2013 to 2015. He participated in the Challenger baseball program from 2011-2015, which helped disabled adults and children play baseball. Potthoff was also a basketball star at Francis Howell High School and Mizzou.