Jeff Fischer, Up and Down - 405

Jeff Fischer just wanted to go five good innings to help his Florida Gators to the 1984 conference championship, he told The Gainesville Sun.

He helped his team to the championship and he did so by pitching a complete game.

"Man, I really felt good," Fischer told The Sun after the win. "I'd had an up-and-down year, and I just wanted to make sure tonight was on an up."

Fischer finished out his college career the next season, before being selected by the Expos in the seventh round of the draft.

He went on to make it up to the majors twice, over two seasons. But his stay up in the bigs both times was brief, Fisher's major league career ending up consisting of all of six outings.

Fischer started his professional career playing in his hometown, at single-A West Palm Beach, There, Fischer went 6-5, in 13 starts, with a 3.51 ERA.

Fisher told The South Florida Sun-Sentinel that August it was another "up and down" year for him. He spoke after a 2-1, complete-game win over Fort Lauderdale.

"It's been like consistent ping pong all year," Fischer told The Sun-Sentinel. "One good game, then a bad game. It was just my good night tonight. I am trying to break the habit."

Fischer hit AA Jacksonville in 1986, getting 11 starts there. He made AAA Indianapolis, then Montreal in 1987.

Fischer debuted with the Expos in June. He got two starts and two relief appearances. In 13.2 innings of work, Fischer gave up 13 earned runs and picked up a loss.

The call-up came in the middle of a bad stretch for Fischer at AAA, The Sun-Sentinel wrote.

"I was back in Indy before I knew it," Fischer told The Sun-Sentinel. "You can't pitch well in the big leagues if you're not pitching well in Triple-A. I did not have it together, and it showed."

Fischer returned to Indianapolis full time for 1988, going 13-8, with a 2.69 ERA. For 1989, though, the Expos traded Fischer to the Dodgers.

At Albuquerque that year, Fischer went 12-10, earning a call up to the Dodgers in September. With Los Angeles, Fischer got into two games, both in relief. He gave up five earned runs in 3.1 innings of work.

Going into 1990, though, Fischer had surgery on his shoulder, The Palm Beach Post wrote. He pitched in only eight more games, three at Albuquerque and five at single-A Vero Beach, ending his career.

Fischer went on to several years in the minors as a coach, including with West Palm Beach in 1995 and 1996.

• Gainesville Sun, May 16, 1984: UF didn't let 3rd SEC title in 4 years escape its grasp
• South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Aug. 22, 1985: Expos Stay Alive In Southern Race
• South Florida-Sun-Sentinel, March 14, 1989: Fischer Being Watched By (Dodger) Blue Eyes

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 640/880 - 72.7%
Players/Coaches Featured: 651
Made the Majors: 439 - 67%-X
Never Made the Majors:212-33%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 187
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 138

Brian Fisher, Good Idea - 626

Arriving with the Pirates in 1987, Brian Fisher started off slowly in the bullpen, something Pirates brass realized.

So Pirates third base coach Gene Lamont suggested a new role for Fisher, as a starter, The New York Times wrote.

"They called me in the office and said: 'You're not really throwing well in the bullpen. Don Robinson is going to be the stopper and we know you don't want to be a long man so we're going to try you as a starter,'" Fisher recalled to The Times. "I liked the idea.''

Fisher ended up starting 26 games for Pittsburgh that year, going 11-9, with a 4.52 ERA. He went on to start games in four different major league seasons, pitching in seven.

Fisher's career began in 1980, taken in the second round of the draft by the Braves, out of Hinkley High School in Colorado.

Fisher made AA Savannah by 1983, then AAA Richmond by 1984. For 1985, Fisher arrived with the Yankees, in exchange for Rick Cerone.

Coming out of spring training 1985, Fisher left an impression. That impression was with Yankee manager Billy Martin, according to The Associated Press.

"I've been bragging on him for quite a bit," Martin told The AP after Fisher picked up his first major league save. "He's ready now."

Fisher rewarded Martin's confidence with 55 outings where he posted an ERA of 2.38, by far his best season. Fisher also picked up 14 saves. Fisher returned in 1986 for 62 more relief outings, going 9-5, with a 4.93 ERA and six saves.

For 1987, Fisher arrived with the Pirates in a six-player deal. The newly-minted starter had quick success. By June, he was shutting out the Cubs. In August, he shut out the Cubs again.

Fisher started 22 games for the Pirates in 1988. In 1989, though, he started just three, relieving in six. He was coming off knee and shoulder surgery, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote. He also gave up 15 earned runs in 17 innings.

At AAA Buffalo, Fisher only got into five games, starting all five. By 1990, he was in the Astros system, at AAA Tucson, getting a brief look at Houston. He moved to the Brewers at AAA Denver for 1991, then AAA with Cincinnati and Seattle in 1992.

With Seattle, Fisher returned to the majors for the first time since 1990, when he had four relief outings with the Astros. Fisher ultimately got into 22 games for the Mariners, starting 14. He'd finally made it back from his injuries of 1988 and 1989.

"There were times when I asked my body to do something and I knew how to do it, but it wouldn't respond," Fisher recalled to The AP that September after an eight-inning, five-hit outing. "Now it responds."

Fisher returned for one final season in 1993, but he didn't make it back to the majors. He pitched in 13 games at AAA Phoenix that year, ending his career.

• New London Day, Associated Press, May 19, 1985: Rookie gives Yankees added help in bullpen, Part 2
  
• New York Times, April 29, 1988: Fisher and Pirates Discover Success
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Feb. 18, 1989: Fisher recuperating slowly after surgery, Part 2
• Lawrence Journal-World, Associated Press, Sept. 24, 1992: Fisher checks Royals, 6-1, as Mariners end 12-game skid

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 639/880 - 72.6%
Players/Coaches Featured: 650
Made the Majors: 438 - 67%-X
Never Made the Majors:212-33%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 187-X
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 138

Beau Allred saw parts of 3 seasons in bigs, all with Indians

Beau Allred thought he would catch it. It was just a matter of how far the ball would go, he told The Associated Press.

In this May 1991 game, Allred robbed the Yankees' Matt Nokes of a home run, climbing the wall to do it.

"I got close to the fence and thought it better come down fast," Allred told The AP. "I was able to jump and get it."

Allred was in his third season with time in the majors in 1991. But Allred's days jumping outfield walls in the majors were numbered. A month after that Yankees game, Allred had played his last big league contest.

Allred's career began in 1987, taken by the Indians in the 25th round of the draft, out of Lamar University.

He played that first year at rookie Burlington, hitting .341, with 10 home runs. He moved to single-A Kinston in 1988, then AA Canton-Akron in 1989.

In 1989, Allred also got his first look at AAA Colorado Springs and Cleveland.

Allred debuted with the Indians that September, getting into 13 games. He got six hits in 24 at bats. Allred returned for another four games with the Indians in 1990, getting three hits in 16 at bats.

One of those hits in 1990 was his first major league home run, off Roger Clemens. His second home run came in 1991, off Dennis Eckersley.

Going into 1991, the Indians believed Allred might get more opportunities if he added weight. Allred took the suggestion to heart, adding 20 pounds.

"I went from eating two meals a day to four meals a day," Allred told reporters. "And I wasn't picky. If it moved, I ate it. I ate everything from steak to hamburgers to green chili burritos."

Allred ultimately hit three home runs in 48 games in 1991, with an overall average of .232. One of the other home runs proved to be a game-winner.

Allred returned to AAA by the end of June. He didn't return to the majors. He played out the season at Colorado Springs, playing all of 1992 there. He moved with the Indians' AAA team to Charlotte in 1993. Allred then played 1994 with the Braves, at AAA Richmond, ending his career after eight seasons.

• New London Day, wire reports, March 2, 1991: Beefing up
• Meriden Record-Journal, Associated Press, May 21, 1991: Yanks lose two homers and ballgame

More: The 1990 Colorado Springs Sky Sox

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 638/880 - 72.5%
Players/Coaches Featured: 649
Made the Majors: 437 - 67%-X
Never Made the Majors:212-33%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 186
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 138

Greg McMichael, Worked Out - 459

Two seasons removed from knee surgery, Greg McMichael found himself in a perfect position to make his debut in the majors, with the Braves, not the Indians.

That's because the Indians, the team that drafted McMichael, released him after the injury, The Associated Press wrote.

"They didn't think I would make it back," McMichael told The AP in spring 1993. "But it worked out well. I've never pitched better."

McMichael went on to pitch in 74 games for the Braves that year, saving 19. Three of those saves also sealed three of the Braves' final four wins and helped seal the National League West title for Atlanta.

He also went on to pitch in parts of eight major league seasons.

McMichael's career began in 1988, taken by the Indians in the seventh round of the draft, out of the University of Tennessee.

McMichael started at rookie Burlington and single-A Kinston. Working mainly as a starter, McMichael made it to AAA Colorado Springs in 1990, starting 12 games there for a 2-3 record.

The Indians, though, released McMichael at the close of spring 1991, after a knee injury. The Braves signed him days later, sending him back to single-A. At single-A Durham, McMichael moved to relief work, starting six games, relieving in 30.

In 1992, McMichael returned to AA and AAA, at Greenville and Richmond. In 1993, he made the majors.

Making the Braves for 1993, McMichael proved crucial in the Braves' stretch drive. In one late-season save, Sept. 29, McMichael got himself out of two bases-loaded jams, both of his own making.

"I just made it a little tough," McMichael told The AP afterward. "But that happens sometimes, maybe I was muscling up a little bit."

Overall, McMichael posted a 2.06 ERA in 91.2 innings. McMichael, though, couldn't bring that success to the playoffs. In four innings of work, he gave up three earned runs and picked up a loss.

McMichael returned to the Braves for the strike-shortened 1994, posting another 21 saves. McMichael, though, turned setup man, getting only 13 more saves in his career.

Though no longer a closer, McMichael still posted a 2.79 ERA in 67 outings in 1995, then a 3.22 ERA in 73 games in 1996.

For 1997, the Braves sent McMichael to the Mets. With the Mets, McMichael got into another 73 games, with a 2.98 ERA.

McMichael played into 2000, with the Mets, Dodgers, Athletics and then the Braves again. Injuries, though, took their toll. He got into 36 games in 1999 and just 15 in 2000. His career ended in late May, going on the disabled list for biceps tendinitis.

• Waycross Journal-Herald, Associated Press, March 30, 1993: Rookie McMichael Has Looked Best Of Any Braves Pitcher
  
• Meriden Record-Journal, Associated Press, Sept. 30, 1993: Braves regain lead in West

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 637/880 - 72.4%
Players/Coaches Featured: 648
Made the Majors: 436 - 67%-X
Never Made the Majors:212-33%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 186-X
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 138

For the next week or two

For the next week or two, this should be my last regular post. My mother, who always shared my love of baseball and the Chicago Cubs, passed away today at the age of 68. I hope to be writing about the game we both loved again soon. -Steve, The Greatest 21 Days - 12/20/11

Weston Weber, One Pitch - 582

After 11 seasons, all spent in the minors, Weston Weber thought he might finally reach his goal of the majors in 1996, he told The Las Vegas Review-Journal later.

Then his career ended - on one pitch.

"I threw a pitch and I had severe pain in the back of my shoulder," Weber told The Review-Journal, which noted the diagnosis of a nerve impingement. "Every time I tried to throw a ball after that, it felt like somebody was shooting me."

Weber never did pitch competitively again. But he has since gone on to a sports-related career. That's golf-related.

Weber's baseball career began in 1986, taken by the Athletics in the 15th round, out of Mankato State.

Weber played that first year at short-season Medford. In 13 starts, he went 5-5, with a 3.44 ERA. That August, Weber went eight innings, giving up just two hits in what would be his fifth win.

Weber moved to single-A Madison in 1987, then single-A Modesto in 1988. Weber returned to Modesto in 1989, but he also got his first look at AA Huntsville.

His first look at AAA came in 1990 at Tacoma. By the end of the year, Weber was with his home state Twins, playing at AAA Portland.

Weber, though, was back in the Oakland system for 1991. He played through 1996, going through the Mariners and Padres systems. In 1996, his final season, Weber pitched in only seven games, all in relief.

The same year as his baseball career ended, his golf career began. Weber founded Southwest Greens, a company that specializes in synthetic golf greens for practice. He operated the company into 2008, according to a company Web site, when he sold corporate operations to a group led by another pitcher, John Smoltz.

• Bend Bulletin, Aug. 28, 1986: Medford paddles Phillies
  
• Las Vegas Review-Journal, April 2, 1998: Former professional pitcher turns to putting for a living

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 636/880 - 72.3%
Players/Coaches Featured: 647
Made the Majors: 435 - 67%
Never Made the Majors:212-33%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 185
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 138-X

Kash Beauchamp realized dream with pro turn, saw long career

Kash Beauchamp described his selection in the 1982 January draft as like a dream realized, The Associated Press wrote.

But he still wasn't sure if he would sign.

"I'm not physically mature enough," the 19-year-old Beauchamp told The AP. "But if I have a good spring (in college), hit .400 and put on maybe 15 pounds, I might be ready to turn pro."

Beauchamp apparently did well that spring, because he did sign, starting a career that spanned more than a decade. But it was also a career that never saw the majors.

The Blue Jays selected Beauchamp out of Bacone College in Oklahoma. He was also selected with Toronto hoping he would follow his father, Blue Jays AAA manager Jim Beauchamp, to the majors.

Beauchamp played that first year at rookie-league Medicine Hat. He hit .318 with 48 RBIs. He also made the Pioneer League All-Star team.

The Greatest 21 Days caught up with Kash Beauchamp in August 2013, read the four-part interview: Kash Beauchamp, Played Hard

He moved to single-A Florence in 1983, then got his first, brief look at AA in 1984 at Knoxville. Beauchamp got his first time at AAA Syracuse in 1986.

With Syracuse, Beauchamp got into 55 games that year, hitting .263. He also hit seven home runs, one of them in a July game at Pawtucket.

Beauchamp, though, returned to Knoxville for 1987, playing 59 games that year. Early in 1988, he moved to the Braves system, playing at AA Greenville. He played 1989 at AAA Richmond, moving to the Giants system for 1990.

He returned for two more seasons in 1993 and 1994, essentially ending his playing career.

Beauchamp then began his coaching career, serving as hitting coach at AA Harrisburg in 1995. He got his first manager's job in 1998, at independent New Jersey. He then went through managing at Lincoln, Adirondack and Bangor.

In 2008, with the independent Wichita Wingnuts, Beauchamp was hit with a four-game suspension for a tirade that included showing the umpire his armpit.

"I regret it, I really do," Beauchamp told The Associated Press afterward. "I don't regret getting ejected and I don't regret trying to fire up my team, but I think I went too far, there's no doubt about it."

The year before, Beauchamp served as manager for the independent Anderson Joes in South Carolina. Talking to The Anderson Independent Mail, Beauchamp explained his job in the independent leagues.

"We've got to prepare these players to make the Major League level, the organizational level," Beauchamp told The Independent Mail. "If a player goes from this organization and walks on a Major League field 10 minutes before the game with headphones on, they're going to be called into the office and released immediately. That doesn't fly in a minor league system."

The Greatest 21 Days caught up with Kash Beauchamp in August 2013, read the four-part interview: Kash Beauchamp, Played Hard

• Regina Leader-Post, Associated Press, Jan. 13, 1982: Beauchamp joins Jays' fold
• Anderson Independent Mail, July 19, 2007: Beauchamp new Joes' manager
• ESPN.com, Associated Press, July 11, 2008: Minor league manager suspended four games for tirade

More: The 1990 Phoenix Firebirds

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 635/880 - 72.2%
Players/Coaches Featured: 646
Made the Majors: 435 - 67%
Never Made the Majors:211-33%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 185
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 137-X

Tab Brown saw three minor league seasons, each with Braves

Tab Brown hadn't gotten a win in nine starts. Despite going six innings and giving up two earned runs, Brown didn't get one this May 1990 night either, The Sumter Item wrote.

"Tab held us where we wanted to be for six innings," Sumter manager Ned Yost told The Item. "He did very well. I thought this was going to be Tab's first win."

Brown ended up getting five wins that year for the single-A Sumter Braves. They were the last five wins of his brief three-season professional career.

Brown's career began in 1989, taken by the Braves in the second round of the draft out of St. Xavier High School in Louisville. At St. Xavier, Brown had an RBI single, helping his team to within two wins of the state title.

Brown played his first professional season at rookie league Pulaski, going 7-3 in 13 starts. He gave up 39 earned runs in 69 innings, for a 4.83 ERA.

Moving to single-A Sumter in 1990, Brown went 5-7, with a 3.49 ERA. In July, though, he nearly pitched a complete-game shoutout. Only a first inning error allowed a run to cross.

The error came on a toss to first, with Brown covering. First baseman Joseph Roble couldn't get it there to record the out, The Item wrote.

"Tab pitched very well tonight," Yost told The Item afterward. "In fact, that's a play where Roble should have taken it himself."

In all, Brown got 22 starts in 1990, striking out 69 and walking 43. Brown, though, didn't play at all in 1991. He returned in 1992 for three final starts, at single-A Macon. He went 0-2, giving up six earned runs in 10.2 innings of work, ending his career in single-A.

• Sumter Item, May 20, 1990: Braves 'get even' with Augusta 5-4, Part 2
• Sumter Item, July 6, 1990: Early error deprives Brown of 1st professional shutout, Part 2

More: The 1990 Sumter Braves

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 634/880 - 72.1%
Players/Coaches Featured: 645
Made the Majors: 435 - 67%
Never Made the Majors:210-33%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 185
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 136

Tracy Woodson, His Chance - 652

The Greatest 21 Days caught up with Tracy Woodson in April 2012, read the interview: Tracy Woodson, Hardest Part

Tracy Woodson knew this was his chance, and he was trying to make the most of it.

In his first stint in the majors, filling in for veteran Dodger Bill Madlock in April 1987, Woodson hit his first major league home run. Woodson's home run, hit off Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, helped the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory.

"Right now I've got two or three weeks while Madlock's out, but if I keep hitting the ball, maybe they'll find somewhere to play me," Woodson told The Associated Press after that game. "I want that position when he retires, so I have to do what I can right now."

Woodson ended up staying with the Dodgers through the end of May. But, while Woodson didn't take over for Madlock, he did go on to play in five major league seasons and one World Series.

His final two seasons came after the frustrations of nearly three full seasons back in the minors, and after he'd already retired.

Woodson's career began in 1984, taken by the Dodgers in the third round of the draft, out of North Carolina State University.

He played his first two seasons at single-A Vero Beach, moving to AA San Antonio in 1986. At San Antonio, Woodson hit .269, with 18 home runs. He also earned consideration for the major league roster in 1987, making the team after Madlock's injury.

That first season with the Dodgers, Woodson got into 53 games. He hit .228 and that one home run. Returning for 1988, Woodson got into another 65 games and hit .249.

In July, Woodson got some advice from teammate Kirk Gibson, to hit the ball up the middle, The AP wrote. Woodson instead hit it to left, winning the game.

Woodson, Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda told The AP after that game, "is going to be a good player. That's why we brought him up from Albuquerque, where he had fantastic numbers."

In October, it was Woodson who was talking about Gibson. Woodson anticipated Gibson's legendary pinch-hit appearance in Game 1, teammate Mickey Hatcher told The Los Angeles Times.

For his own part, Woodson himself appeared in four out of the five games. He got one at bat in each, without getting a hit.

In fact, Woodson didn't get another major league hit for three seasons. He played in just four games for the Dodgers in 1989, getting six at bats without a hit.

The Dodgers then sent Woodson to the White Sox for 1990. He played the season at AAA Vancouver. He signed with the Braves for 1991, playing that season at AAA Richmond.

Woodson then retired.

The Cardinals, though, still had interest in Woodson. After multiple calls, Woodson returned, The Times wrote. He also returned to the majors, getting into 31 games that year and 62 the next.

"My career was at the very bottom, as low as you can go," Woodson told The Times in August 1992 of his retirement. "But now I'm no longer scared to check the lineup card after going 0 for 4. Now I know I'm getting a chance."

In his 31 games for the Cardinals in 1992, Woodson hit .307 with 22 RBIs.

Coming out of that spring training, Woodson was sent down, though he hit well, The AP wrote. Woodson, though, was sent down with a message from manager Joe Torre.

"Joe told me I'd be back up," Woodson told The AP in August, "and I put those words in the back of my mind."

In his second year with the Cardinals, his last in the bigs, Woodson hit .208 in 77 at bats. Woodson, though, didn't stop playing until 1996, playing his last three seasons at AAA with the Cardinals, Yankees and Cubs.

Woodson then got right into coaching, serving as hitting coach with the AA Carolina Mudcats in 1997. He then moved to the manager's office for 1998, at short-season Erie.

By 2004, Woodson was manager at AAA Albuquerque. Since 2007, Woodson has work in college, serving as head coach of the Valparaiso Crusaders. He's also finished his own degree.

In 2010, the school extended Woodson's contract through 2014.

"Tracy has built our program into a Horizon League contender," Valpo director of athletics Mark LaBarbera said after the extension. "The baseball team continues to succeed both on the field and in the classroom, and this is a direct result of Coach Woodson's leadership. We are excited to know that he will be here for the next several years."

• Ocala Star-Banner, Associated Press, April 14, 1987: Cresse's Advice Paid Off For Woodson, Los Angeles
• Oxnard Press-Courier, Associated Press, July 16, 1988: Woodson's Hit Lifts Dodgers
• Los Angeles Times, Oct. 24, 1988: Dodgers '88: A Season to Remember
• Los Angeles Times, Aug. 29, 1992: The Dodgers' Blues Roll On
• Southeast Missourian, Associated Press, Aug. 30, 1992: Woodson's glove helps save Cards
• ValpoAthletics.com, July 7, 2010: Valpo's Woodson Signs Four-Year Contract Extension

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 633/880 - 71.9%
Players/Coaches Featured: 644
Made the Majors: 435 - 68%-X
Never Made the Majors:209-32%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 185-X
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 136

David Miller, Complete Game - 156

Looking for his fourth win on the young season in 1989, David Miller went out and got it.

Pitching for AAA Oklahoma City, Miller threw a complete-game shutout against Columbus. He gave up eight hits and no walks to pick up the win, 2-0.

Miller went on to collect a total of nine wins for Oklahoma City that year, against 13 defeats. In his fourth professional season, Miller had made it to AAA.

Miller, though, never never got a chance to throw a shutout, or anything else, in the majors. His career ended the next season, back at AAA.

A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Miller's career began in 1986, signing with the Braves. He played that first season between the rookie Gulf Coast League and the rookie Pulaski Braves.

Used mainly in relief that first year, Miller posted a 1.79 ERA on the season, and picked up eight saves.

Miller moved to single-A Durham in 1987 and turned starter. He went 15-9 in 27 starts, with an ERA of 3.59. That year earned him his first trip to AA in 1988, at Greenville, then his first trip to AAA later that year at Richmond.

At Greenville, Miller went 5-4 in 10 starts with a 2.50 ERA. At Richmond, he posted an 11-6 mark with a 4.12 ERA. In late August, he picked up his ninth win after a six-inning outing where he gave up one run.

Late in spring 1989, though, the Braves shipped Miller to the Rangers for a reliever. For the Braves that spring, Miller pitched five innings, exiting with a 7.49 ERA.

Miller went on to play those two seasons at AAA Oklahoma City. He went 9-13 his first season and 7-9 his second, ending his career after five years, short of the majors.

• Portsmouth Daily Times, Associated Press, May 27, 1989: Miller tosses shutout at Clippers

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 632/880 - 71.8%
Players/Coaches Featured: 643
Made the Majors: 434 - 68%
Never Made the Majors:209-32%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 184
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 136

Armando Moreno got his majors call, he didn't play, get back

Armando Moreno got called up to the Pirates in 1990. It was understood at the outset, though, that the call would be brief, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote.

The reasoning, Pirates GM Larry Doughty told The Post-Gazette, was that the team needed a right-hander on the bench to face lefties from the Phillies.

"He's never been in the major leagues," Doughty told The Post-Gazette, "But he's a veteran."

As it ended up, Moreno never did play in the major leagues. Called up for that one game that August, Moreno remained on the bench for that game. The Pirates then returned him to the minors. He never got back.

The veteran Moreno was in his ninth professional season that year with the Pirates. His career started in 1982, signed by the Expos out of his native Puerto Rico.

He played that first season at rookie Calgary, hitting .338, with five home runs. He moved to single-A Gastonia in 1983, continuing that hitting at .327.

Moreno's first look at AA, though, saw a drop in his batting average. He hit just .230 at Jacksonville in 1984. He also stayed at Jacksonville through 1988 - five full seasons.

He hit .286 in 1985 and topped .300 again in 1986 at .311. He also hit 15 home runs that year. One of those home runs was a late-season game-winner against Orlando.

Morano made the Southern League All-Star team in 1988, hitting .305 by early July and leading the league. After that season, Morano finally made it to AAA, at Indianapolis. He hit .275 with Indianapolis in 1989, then signed with the Pirates for 1990.

With the Pirates, Morano played the year at AAA Buffalo, except for that one call up to Pittsburgh. At Buffalo, Morano hit .273, with 10 home runs. One of those home runs tied a game in early June.

Morano, though, played just one more season, in 1991, back at Buffalo, ending his career without playing a game in the majors.

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Aug. 4, 1990: Bonds, Drabek honored

More: The 1990 Buffalo Bisons

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 631/880 - 71.7%
Players/Coaches Featured: 642
Made the Majors: 434 - 68%-X
Never Made the Majors:208-32%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 184
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 136-X

Interview Part 3 of 3: Paul Noce, Right There

Former Chicago Cub Paul Noce in November 2011.

Part 1: The Deal | Part 2: Most Exciting 
Part 3: Right There | Part 4: Card Story

This past summer, former Cub Paul Noce returned to Wrigley Field, the team taking care of him with front row tickets, right behind the third base coach.

He was there with his brothers from California and his boys. There, in the stands, Noce recalled it hitting him.

"I looked at shortstop and it was no more than 60 feet away," Noce told The Greatest 21 Days recently, a sense of awe filling his voice. "I'm looking at it, and I'm going, 'I played right there.'"

Noce ultimately played 70 games for the Cubs in 1987, 35 at shortstop and 35 at second base.

He also played 37 of those at Wrigley.

"That was exciting to be able to play for the Cubs in Wrigly Field," Noce said. "I don't take it lightly."

Noce sat down with The Greatest 21 Days recently at a Wendy's near his home in Michigan. Noce has spent much of the last two decades as a coach in college, at Hillsdale College in southern Michigan.

Montreal's Olympic Stadium in 2002, the Cubs playing the Expos. Paul Noce went 4 for 5 in a game at Olympic Stadium with the Cubs in 1987. Noce went on to play in the Montreal system in 1988.

Arriving in Chicago early that June in 1987, Noce started a season where he played in those 70 major league games with the Cubs. After that season, he only got into one more.

Much of that time Noce spent with the Cubs was spent filling in for injuries. In mid-June, Cubs Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg went down June 13 with a severe ankle sprain. He didn't come back until July 11. Then Shawon Dunston went down June 15 with a broken finger. He didn't return until Aug. 21.

Noce benefited from both, starting at second for Sandberg, then moving to short to fill in for Dunston when Sandberg came back.

When Sandberg went down, Noce thought another player would be put in, Manny Trillo. But it was Noce who was told to get loose.

"Especially when you're a guy who's not labeled a prospect, that label, that's how you get your breaks," Noce said.

Included in those 70 games was Noce's first big league hit, coming in his first outing. Before the month was out, he went 4 for 5 in a Cubs win at Montreal, pushing his average to .308.

The ball from Paul Noce's first major league home run.

On July 3, Noce hit is first major league home run, at home against San Francisco. It came in the seventh off Giants starter Kelly Downs and tied the game at 1.

It was a first-pitch, fastball that Noce put in the the basket in left field, Noce recalled.

"You throw me a first-pitch fastball and I'm swinging every time, just about," Noce said, adding a short time later, "I probably ran around the bases in probably 10 seconds."

As soon as he got back to the dugout, Noce remembered trying to make sure someone tracked down the ball. Whoever grabbed it, gave it back.

Noce's second home run came four days later, in the game where fellow Cub Andre Dawson got hit in the face by a pitch from Eric Show. Noce hit his home run and Dawson came up two batters later and was hit. There was talk that the pitch was intentional. Noce doesn't believe it was.

Except for a brief stint in late August, Noce stayed with Chicago through the end of the year.

He ended up getting 41 hits in 180 at bats, ending with a .228 average. Noce thought he had a good shot at making the Cubs again in 1988 as a utility player, but a change in leadership took the team in a different direction.

Cubs GM Dallas Green left. Green seemed to like Noce. New GM Jim Frey, though, looked elsewhere. Noce got sent down the last week of spring training.

Back at Iowa, Noce's playing time diminished. By July, Noce recalled asking for a trade. The Cubs obliged, sending him at the end of July to the Expos.

Noce played out the year at AAA Indianapolis. But they were meaningful games. The Indianapolis squad went on to win the American Association title and the overall AAA championship.

Paul Noce's 1988 Triple-A Classic Championship ring.

It was Noce's first championship and his first ring. He had come close one year at single-A Reno and at AA Pittsfield. But he hadn't won one before. "You always play for that ring," Noce said. "You want that ring."

Noce still has that ring from Indianapolis. Another ring, though, he never received.

While winning at AAA was good. Noce still worked at getting back to the majors. He didn't accomplish that until 1990, after two full seasons at AAA with three organizations, the Cubs, Expos and Mariners.

For 1990, Noce signed with the Reds. After another injury, Noce got his final call to the majors. This injury was to Reds star Eric Davis. He'd hurt his ankle. Noce was hitting well at AAA Nashville and the Reds called.

Noce spent eight days there. He only got into one game and got one at bat.

In his 10th season of professional ball, Noce said he knew it could be ending soon. The game was starting to be a job. He wasn't enjoying it as much.

So with this call up, Noce took time to enjoy it. "I was there early and I left late," Noce said.

Then, on May 17, Noce got his only at bat. He hit a line drive up the middle for a single.

Cincinnati's Great American Ballpark in 2010. Paul Noce got into one game with the Reds in 1990, at old Riverfront Stadium. He went 1 for 1.

On a team that went on to win the World Series, Noce technically had the distinction of having the highest batting average of any of them.

That fall, Noce recalled getting a $500 playoff share. He never did get a ring, though. He believes he can still petition for one, paying for it. He said he just might do that.

He'd get it just to have it. It also might look good recruiting, Noce added.

Sent back to AAA Nashville after Davis came back early, Noce's career ended in 1991, with the Giants at AAA Phoenix.

Noce spent two seasons with the Pirates as a roving instructor. He then arrived in Hillsdale, Michigan, to be the baseball coach Hillsdale College, a top academic school. He has been there since.

At Hillsdale, Noce sometimes references his playing days for a motivational story. But that doesn't happen often, he said. He makes it a point not to do that.

"To me," he said, "it's ancient history, kind of. I think it's special, I really do. But it's not who I am."

The California native settled in Michigan because that is where his wife Diane is from. The two met one year at spring training. She was there visiting a friend.

They now have three sons, Joshua, 21, Casey, 18, and Jesse, 13.

"It's a God thing," Noce said of his time in Michigan. "God wanted me there. He put me there and He's kept me there for 18 years. It's pretty cool." (Go to Card story)

Part 1: The Deal | Part 2: Most Exciting 
Part 3: Right There | Part 4: Card Story

Willie Smith, Turning Point - 207

Going into his fourth professional season in 1989, Willie Smith was due for a career turning point, his manager at single-A the year before, Woody Huyke, told The Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

"He's made steady progress," Huyke told The Post-Gazette as Smith prepared for spring camp. "He's never stood still or gone backward. But now he'll start to get the message about what it takes to be a major leaguer."

Smith ultimately did have what it took to be a major leaguer. But that didn't come for another five years and after losing a season to shoulder surgery.

Smith's career began in 1986, with the 6-foot, 6-inch right-hander signed by the Pirates as an undrafted free agent, out of Savannah, Ga. Smith played that first year in the rookie Gulf Coast League, playing rookie ball and short-season ball in 1987.

At single-A Augusta in 1988, Smith posted a 2.98 ERA, while recording six saves in 30 outings. In 1989, it was single-A Salem and AA Harrisburg. At Harrisburg, Smith got 12 outings, giving up five earned runs in 18.1 innings of work.

That December, Smith arrived in the Yankees system, in a three-player deal. In 1990, Smith got his first look at AAA, at Columbus. He got 33 outings there, picking up seven saves.

Smith also got time at AA Albany-Colonie in 1990. In 1991, all he saw was AA. Turning starter, he went 7-7, with a 4.15 ERA. Early that April, Smith went three innings in a start, giving up two runs before being pulled.

"I think he threw too many fastballs," Albany manager Dan Radison told The Reading Eagle. "Once he starts mixing up his pitches a little bit better, he'll be real good."

Smith moved to the Indians system in 1992, playing between AA Canton and AAA Colorado Springs. He then lost all of 1993 to shoulder surgery.

But Smith came back. For 1994, he signed with the Cardinals. He debuted in the majors April 25. He only got into seven more big league games.

With an injury to the Cardinals' designated closer Mike Perez, there was thought to give Smith a shot at closing. Smith, though, never got a save. In seven innings of work, Smith gave up seven earned runs. He also gave up four home runs, one of them to Bobby Bonilla May 8. Smith also picked up one win to one loss.

Sent back down upon Perez' return, Smith played out the season at AAA Louisville. There, Smith picked up 29 saves. It was enough for the Indians to sign Smith for 1995.

With the Indians, though, Smith didn't last through to the season. He ruptured a ligament in his throwing elbow in an exhibition game. The injury effectively ended Smith's career.

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 1, 1989: Smith's heater in the mid-90s and counting, Part 2
• Reading Eagle, April 12, 1991: Yankees rally past R-Phils, Part 2
• Youngstown Vindicator, Associated Press, Nov. 19, 1994: Tribe signs Smith, trades 3 to Mets

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 630/880 - 71.6%
Players/Coaches Featured: 641
Made the Majors: 433 - 68%-X
Never Made the Majors:208-32%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 184
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 135-X

Don Vesling, Too Fine - 378

Don Vesling tried to analyze his pitching to The Toledo Blade in 1989. He'd made it to AAA for the first time, but he'd also gotten wild.

"I never had a problem with walks until I came here," Vesling told The Blade before a mid-August game. "I was trying to be too fine."

Vesling ended up walking 33 in 71.1 innings of work for Toledo in 1989. He ended up doing well enough to return to Toledo in 1990. But Velsing didn't end up doing well enough to make the majors.

Vesling's career began in 1987, taken by the Tigers in the 14th round of the draft, out of Eastern Michigan University.

At Eastern Michigan, Vesling played baseball and football. On the football team, Vesling served as kicker, kicking the game-winning field goal in a September 1986 game against Akron. The previous October, Vesling kicked two field goals, and, as a wide-receiver, caught a touchdown pass. In baseball his final year, Vesling was the team's MVP.

With the Tigers, Vesling played that first year at rookie Bristol, picking up a game at single-A Lakeland. Between them, Vesling went 6-2, with a 2.95 ERA. Vesling returned to Lakeland for the year in 1988, going 10-8, with a 3.14 ERA.

Vesling then started 1989 at AA London, going 5-4, with a 3.81 ERA. By late May, though, he led the league with a 1.13 mark. Vesling then got his first look at AAA Toledo. In his second outing, Vesling threw a seven-inning shutout.

Vesling played three more seasons, all in the minors. He played all of 1990 at AAA Toledo, splitting time between starting and relieving. In June, he went seven innings, giving up four hits.

Vesling's last two seasons were spent split between AA and AAA. He started 1991 at Toledo, before being sent back to AA in late May to make room for another pitcher. Vesling started 18 games at London, going 7-8, with a 4.49 ERA.

He started his final season in 1992 back at London, before arriving mid-year with the Padres, at AAA Las Vegas. Vesling ended his career with eight relief outings there, giving up three earned runs in 5.1 innings of work.

After his playing days were done, Vesling became a steel broker in Indiana. He was inducted in the Midview High School Hall of Fame in 2001. Vesling attended Midview in his hometown of Grafton, Ohio.

• Toledo Blade, Aug. 13, 1989: Hens sweep Pawsox
• Midview Athletic Hall of Fame, 2001: Don Vesling

1990 CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 629/880 - 71.5%
Players/Coaches Featured: 640
Made the Majors: 432 - 68%
Never Made the Majors:208-32%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 184
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 134

Interview Part 2 of 3: Paul Noce, Most Exciting

Cubs photograph of Paul Noce in 1987, from Noce's collection.

Part 1: The Deal | Part 2: Most Exciting 
Part 3: Right There | Part 4: Card Story

Getting treatment on a sore shoulder in the Iowa Cubs training room, Paul Noce could hear the phone ring in the next room over, the manager's office.

To the trainer, Noce joked the call was for him, Noce recalled recently. He was getting called to the majors, the joke continued.

As it turned out, it was. And he was.

Called into manager Larry Cox' office, Cox relayed the news: In his seventh professional season, Noce was going to the majors.

"It was great," Noce told The Greatest 21 Days recently. "It was phenomenal. It was one of the most exciting days of my life, as far as baseball is concerned."

Cox just had one question for Noce. Did he want to play that night at Iowa?

"I said 'heck, no,' " Noce recounted. "'I'm not even chancing it, man.' I said 'I'm going to pack and get in my car right now.'"

The next morning, Noce and his wife were in Chicago.

Noce sat down with The Greatest 21 Days recently at a Wendy's near his home in Michigan. Noce has spent much of the last two decades as a coach in college, at Hillsdale College in southern Michigan.

Arriving in Chicago early that June, Noce started a season where he played in 70 major league games with the Cubs. After that season, he only got into one more.

Wrigley Field in 2004. Paul Noce played 70 games with the Cubs in 1987. G21D Photo

What got Noce to Chicago that year could be traced back to a trade, and a willingness to be sent down before being called up.

Playing in the Padres system in early 1984, Noce hadn't gotten above single-A in three seasons. Then, he was starting his fourth there. He'd played at least a portion of each season at single-A Reno.

But then Noce got noticed by a scout for the Cubs. The scout liked Noce so much, he got the team to trade for him. With the new organization also came a new level.

The Cubs sent Noce straight to AA Midland. Noce went on to reward their confidence with a .288 season. He stole 12 bases and knocked in 29 runs. He continued progressing in 1985, making AAA Iowa, though his average suffered. He hit .225.

Noce credited his versatility in the field. At Midland, he played second, third and short. At Iowa, he did the same, adding outfield to the mix.

Wrigley Field in 1988. Paul Noce played at Wrigley the year before. G21D Photo

Then, after that season at AAA, and starting 1986 there, Noce accepted the demotion to AA Pittsfield. With the move, though, came the promise from Cubs farm director Jim Snyder, of regular playing time at one position.

Noce took full advantage, hitting .307. He also got an invited to 1987 spring camp. Noce then took advantage of that opportunity, making an impression. Cubs manager Gene Michael liked him. The coaches seemed to appreciate his play.

Noce lasted until the final cut of the spring, before being sent down.

"I knew then that I was going to make it, that I was going to have a chance," Noce said.

That chance came May 31, when the Cubs called Noce to the majors.

Noce called it a blessing to make the majors. After being told of his call up, Noce and his wife Diane headed east. From Des Moines, they stopped for the night in the Quad Cities.

Noce also recalled talking to his wife as they stopped, putting the experience in perspective.

"I remember telling her, 'whether I'm there one day, or 10 years,'" Noce recalled, " 'I made it.'"

Getting up the next morning, the couple finished the drive, arriving at Wrigley Field. He was in the game that afternoon.

Hitting eighth, Noce struckout his first at bat. He grounded out his second.

In his third, Noce singled to center for his first major league hit.

The ball from Paul Noce's first major league hit, June 1, 1987.

Noce recalled almost every hand that ball touched after it returned to the infield. Astros second baseman Bill Doran had it. Then umpire Doug Harvey.

Harvey tossed it into the dugout, where Cubs clubhouse manager Yosh Kawano recorded the feat directly on the ball: "1st Major League Hit Danny Darwin."

Noce also recalled the hand he shook at first base, congratulating him. That hand belonged to the Cubs' new first base coach Jim Snyder. It was the same Jim Snyder who proposed a year earlier for Noce to go back down to AA for regular playing time.

Noce has the game on tape, with Cubs announcers Harry Carry and Steve Stone calling the hit.

In particular, Noce highlighted Stone's comments. Stone commented on the future significance. Noce would be telling the story of that hit to his boys someday.

Noce had no kids then. He and his wife now have three, 13, 18, and 21. All three have watched their dad's first hit.

"I tell them, 'that's you he's talking about,'" Noce said, "'I'm going to tell you this story someday.'"

After that first hit, Noce's first major league home run was still to come. (Go to Part 3)

Go to the final part: Paul Noce, Right There

Part 1: The Deal | Part 2: Most Exciting 
Part 3: Right There | Part 4: Card Story