Eric Parkinson, Up-and-Coming - 726

Eric Parkinson had just been converted from a starter to a reliever and, for someone who had never been above high-A Salem, what better way to test that than in a exhibition game against AAA hitters ? As it turned out, Parkinson held his own. In two innings, he gave up a hit, a walk and registered two strikeouts, according to The Pittsburgh Press . "It was an incredible feeling," Parkinson told The Press afterward. "I thought I would be nervous, but I wasn't. (Salem manager) Stan (Cliburn) told me they swing and miss just like they do here and, by gosh, they do." Parkinson's showing against AAA hitters would never be better. He would also never face AAA hitters again , his career ending after only a brief stint at AA and well short of the majors. Parkinson's career began in 1989, when he was taken by the Pirates in the 22nd round of the draft out of Kellogg Community College. He played that year at rookie league Princeton , starting eight ga...