Stories That Play Out Over Years

Every baseball game is filled with stories, many of which aren't evident even the day the game is played. They're stories that play out over years, stories of careers.

Each player on that roster has a story to tell. The stars, or prospects, have stories. How did they get there? Where are they going?

The non-stars and never-were-stars have their own stories to tell, even if many never take the time to listen.

Back in late-2009, I came across a set of old baseball cards from 1990 that intrigued me. It was a set that I was familiar with from my youth. It had a gaudy yellow and green color scheme, with an abrupt switch to a wood motif for the last third of the set.

After picking up a box of the cards, I started looking through the names. Hardly any of them were familiar to me. And hardly any of them should have been familiar to any other baseball fan.

These were cards of minor leaguers from 1990, a set printed to capitalize on the baseball card rookie craze of the era.

But hardly any of these players seemed to fulfill that promise.

That's where my curiosity took over. One player after another I looked up over at Baseball-Reference. And one player after another I found with a story seemingly in the stats themselves, players who never made the majors, players who made it but for only a game or a handful of games.

Soon, I was running the names through Google and the Google News Archives. Players whose careers were long overwith, without anyone hardly taking any notice, came to life.

Out popped stories of trials in the minors, first steps in the majors and stories before and after. From there, a blog seemed a natural.

And that's what became basically my hobby over the next nearly three years, chronicling the minor league players of 1990 and what happened to them.

Starting with photos and names on cards, I've tried to tell their stories as best I could. In some cases, 39 total cases to be exact, I even had the opportunity to tell their stories directly, through interviews.

I may do some more analyzing on what I've found in the coming days. Beyond that, I'm not sure yet what I'll do with the site. I may repost old stories. I also may continue on featuring players from the larger ProCard team sets out that year.

For now, though, enjoy the stories already here. There are some good ones there.

Browse the features four different ways: 
By Player Name; by Player Team; by Date Featured; and by Card Number

Final CMC Tally
Cards Featured: 880/880 - 100%
Players/Coaches Featured: 891
Made the Majors: 608 - 68.2%-X
Never Made the Majors: 283-32.8%
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 271
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 163

1990 Buffalo Bisons, Pittsburgh Pirates: Baseball Profiles

Features on each member of the 1990 Buffalo Bisons, AAA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Players are as included in that year's team set, as well as interviews with two of the players. Click on the player's name to read more.

Interviews (2)
1 - Dann Bilardello kept battling as player, manager
2 - Hugh Kemp used lessons from father over 8 seasons

1990 Buffalo Bisons (32)
1 - Moises Alou knew about body English, as hitter, in field

2 - Stan Belinda saw 12 majors seasons, two after MS diagnosis
3 - Dann Bilardello's first majors home run came off Tom Seaver
4 - Jackie Brown kept eyes open, made majors as player, coach
5 - Kevin Burdick suffered broken nose at AAA, saw five seasons
6 - Steve Carter hit home run in 6th majors game, saw 14 total
7 - Wes Chamberlain had fun, played hard in 6 ML seasons
8 - Terry Collins has spent life in game, 3 bigs manager stints
9 - Jeff Cook credited kissed bat with home run, saw 9 seasons
10 - Gordon Dillard faltered in only ML start, saw 7 games total

11 - Steve Henderson focused, made 12 majors seasons, coached
12 - Mark Huismann saw 9 ML campaigns, car issues headed to first
13 - Hugh Kemp showed college competitiveness, saw 8 pro seasons
14 - Steve Kiefer returned from assault to bigs, saw 6 ML seasons
15 - Randy Kramer knew role with Pirates, saw 4 majors seasons
16 - Carlos Ledezma was minors trainer, majors clubhouse manager

17 - Scott Little took chances as they came, saw 3 majors games

18 - Roger Mason returned from surgery for 5 more majors seasons

19 - Scott Medvin showed bulldog in minors, saw 3 majors seasons

20 - Orlando Merced played through injury, saw 13 majors seasons
21 - Armando Moreno got his majors call, he didn't play, get back
22 - Vicente Palacios saw 8 majors campaigns spanning 14 seasons
23 - Tom Prince took clean in 1995, saw time in 17 majors seasons
24 - Rick Reed saw majors over 15 seasons, best over second half
25 - Jeff Richardson looked out for family
26 - Mike Roesler showed nasty stuff with Reds, 2 majors seasons
27 - Mark Ross' expectations raised in 1990, saw 6 bigs seasons
28 - Mark Ryal stayed ready over 6 ML seasons, 5 organizations
29 - Danny Sheaffer took advantage of chances over 7 ML seasons
30 - Tommy Shields worked to prove self in majors, later managed
31 - Dorn Taylor made bigs in 6th season, got 1st W in 5th start
32 - Mike York swore off alcohol, made bigs, saw 18 majors games

1990 Denver Zephyrs player profiles, AAA Milwaukee Brewers

Features on each member of the 1990 Denver Zephyrs, then the AAA team for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Interviews (3)
1 - Mike Birkbeck got noticed, then made bigs in awe
2 - Dave Machemer credits minors manager with success

3 - Joe Xavier followed first love, baseball, to pros

1990 Denver Zephyrs (27)
1 - Don August enjoyed early majors win, saw four bigs seasons
2 - Mike Birkbeck's role went from ML pitcher to college coach
3 - George Canale saw bigs over 3 seasons, 44 games with Brewers
4 - Mike Capel tried to be aggressive over three majors seasons
5 - Logan Easley worked to prove 'em wrong, saw two ML seasons
6 - Tom Edens accepted offer, made majors debut, saw 7 seasons
7 - Ruben Escalera played decade, became scout, minors manager
8 - Don Gordon gave up Molitor streak hit, saw 3 majors seasons
9 - Mark Higgins got crucial hit for first ML hit, only ML hit

10 - Dave Machemer worked to develop players, and loved doing it
11 - Frank Mattox played seven seasons, made AAA, worked as scout
12 - Chuck McGrath made AAA with Cardinals, saw 7 seasons overall
13 - Tim McIntosh played game he loved, made bigs over 71 games
14 - Joe Mitchell saw eight pro seasons, two at AAA, missed bigs
15  - Mario Monico set Hawaii college records, saw 6 seasons
16 - Billy Moore gave good effort, saw 6 ML games with Expos
17 - Jeff Peterek pitched great game in ML debut, saw seven total
18 - Dennis Powell got big-league pitcher label, saw 8 ML seasons
19 - Ed Puig played 11 pro seasons, made AAA over 4, missed bigs
20 - Joe Redfield played hard, made two majors seasons, 12 games
21 - Alan Sadler punted in college, saw 8 seasons in pro baseball
22 - D.L. Smith played 9 pro seasons, saw AAA in 6, missed majors
23 - Jackson Todd returned from cancer to bigs, long coaching career
24 - Tim Torricelli knew catchers needed defense, saw 4 seasons
25 - Darryel Walters hoped to fit in team's ML plans, made AAA
26 - Tim Watkins got as far as AAA over 7 seasons, missed bigs
27 - Joe Xavier did well in AAA role, saw 6 seasons, missed bigs

1990 Richmond Braves player profiles, AAA Atlanta Braves

Features on each member of the 1990 Richmond Braves, AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Players are as included in that year's team set.

 
Interviews (3)
1 - Kash Beauchamp, Pretty Simple
Kash Beauchamp talks about his dad, 1990 Richmond Brave manager Jim Beauchamp.
2 - Bruce Crabbe, Next Level
Bruce Crabbe's father helped teach him the game that became his career.
3 - John Mizerock, Cut Out
John Mizerock made the majors because he could catch the knuckleball.

1990 Richmond Braves (30)
1 - John Alva played seven pro seasons, made AAA in two
2 - Steve Avery saw 11 majors seasons, 5 postseasons with Braves
3 - Sam Ayoub, Richmond's longtime trainer, called nicest person
4 - Jim Beauchamp knew hard work made bigs, as player, and coach
5 - Rick Berg sat college records, briefly played pro, coached
6 - Geronimo Berroa got two-game ML record, saw 11 bigs seasons

7 - Francisco Cabrera became Braves playoff hero, saw 5 seasons
8 - Bruce Crabbe, Not Kidding
Bruce Crabbe didn't play in the majors. He now works at getting others there as a minor league manager.
9 - Drew Denson, Extra Homers
Drew Denson battled to make the majors, then made it in two seasons. He's since lost his battle with a rare blood disease.
10 - Ken Dowell, Weak Bat
Ken Dowell wasn't a home-run hitter, but he was a major leaguer. He eventually got 15 games in the bigs with the Phillies.
11 - Tommy Greene, Country Hardball
Tommy Greene got in a groove around the third. He went on to throw a no-hitter.
12 - Johnny Grubb, Done Everything
Johnny Grubb did the job asked of him for 16 years as a player, also as coach.
13 - Dennis Hood, Just Unreal
Dennis Hood got a look at 1987 major league camp. It was his only taste of the major leagues.

14 - Brian R. Hunter, Hit it Hard
Brian Hunter helped the Braves extend their lead in Game 7 of the NLCS. He hit the home run as hard as he could.
15 - Sonny Jackson, Young Players
Sonny Jackson developed into a major leaguer at a young age. He has since tried to develop others.
16 - Barry Jones, Long Shot
Barry Jones busted his butt in practice, even when he wasn't playing every day. It got him to AAA, but not the majors.
17 - Dave Justice, Six Series
David Justice made the World Series in his second season. He then made it back five more times.
18 - Jimmy Kremers, Late Switch
Jimmy Kremers switched late from outfield to catching. He caught in the majors for 29 games with the Braves.
19 - Bill Laskey, Settled Down
Bill Laskey was nervous in his first major league start. He then settled down - for a complete-game, three-hitter.
20 - Rich Luecken, His Role
Bobby Cox thought Rick Luecken could help the Braves in 1990. Later, Cox explained Luecken's role.
21 - Paul Marak, Pumped Up
Paul Marak didn't throw a 90 mph fastball. But he still made the majors, for seven starts with the Braves.
22 - Leo Mazzone, Famed Rock
Leo Mazzone became a legendary pitching coach with the Braves. He was once minors pitcher, coach, manager.
23 - Kent Mercker, New Lease
Kent Mercker had a headache on the mound in 2000. It ended up being a life-threatening brain hemorrhage.
24 - John Mizerock helped Astros to 1985 win
25 - Andy Nezelek, Fall Back
Andy Nezelek finished his degree, but he never made it to the majors.
26 - Ed Olwine, New Pitcher
Ed Olwine made the majors for parts of three seasons with the Braves. He played as a pro in 11 seasons.
27 - Dale Polley, Got There
Dale Polley made the majors for the first time in 1996 with the Yankees and he didn't regret how he made it.
28 - Rusty Richards, Homemade Pitcher
Dave Richards tried being more aggressive, then extended his career in independent ball.
29 - Bryan Snyder, Going to Work
Brian Snyder spent 12 years playing pro ball. He made the majors with the Mariners and Athletics. His son also played.
30 - Ed Whited, Good Athlete
Ed Whited was a good athlete who was strong, his college coach said. He made the bigs for 36 games.

1990 Pawtucket Red Sox player profiles, AAA Boston Red Sox

Features on each member of the 1990 Pawtucket Red Sox, AAA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Players are as included in that year's team set. 

Interviews (4)
1 - Rick Lancellotti, Christmas Morning
Rick Lancellotti likened getting his first call-up to Christmas morning.
2 - John Leister, Most Influential
After brief looks with the Steelers and the USFL, John Leister just looked for steady paycheck. The Red Sox gave it to him.
3 - Ed Nottle, Stayed in Baseball
Ed Nottle promised he'd stay in baseball as long as he could. He was still there 50 years later.
4 - Jim Pankovits, Be Ready
Jim Pankovits impressed upon his players the importance of being ready.

1990 Pawtucket Red Sox (30)
1 - Steven Bast played 4 seasons, then realized dream, as doctor
2 - Tom Bolton pitched well in Tigers start, saw 8 bigs seasons
3 - Scott Cooper, Can Do 
Scott Cooper wasn't trying to replace anyone with the Red Sox in 1993. He just wanted to show what he could do.
4 - Steve Curry, Best Job
Steve Curry knew where he was and what he had to do. He then made the majors for three starts.
5 - Mike Dalton, Excellent Control
Mike Dalton had herky-jerky delivery with control. He played 11 seasons as a pro, made the majors for four games.
6 - John Flaherty, Show Them
John Flaherty proved an early trade was a mistake, then played in 14 major league seasons.
7 - Angel Gonzalez, Filled Out
Angel Gonzalez got called up to the Red Sox for 1990 exhibition game at Pawtucket. He never got called up for an actual game.
8 - Jeff Gray, Breakout Season
Jeff Gray had a breakout season and a career ended by a stroke. He tried a comeback, but he never got back.
9 - Eric Hetzel, Go Pitch
He made the majors, then hoped to stay. Stayed over two seasons.
10 - Daryl Irvine, Sometimes Overthrew
Daryl Irvine saw his Red Sox career end, at the same time he also saw his major league career end after three seasons.
11 - Joe Johnson, Not Nervous
Joe Johnson wasn't nervous for his major league debut. He overcame a first-pitch single to go seven innings.
12 - Rick Lancellotti, Worth It
Rick Lancellotti made the majors, then moved to Japan and finally Italy. He has since become an instructor.
13 - John Leister, Childhood Dream
John Leister's childhood dream wasn't to play baseball. It was football. He still made the majors.

14 - John Marzano, Watch Him Hit
John Marzano impressed a Red Sox great with a quick bat, short stride. He played a decade in the bigs, passed away in 2008.
15 - Julius McDougal, Dazzlingly Paisley
Julius McDougal helped keep spring 1987 fun for the Twins. He spent nine seasons as pro, but he never made the majors.
16 - Mark Meleski, Season Openers
Mark Meleski saw many season openers as a player and coach in the Red Sox and Tigers systems. He never saw an opener in the majors.
17 - Tim Naehring, Harsh Game
Tim Naehring played in eight major league seasons, hit the disabled list seven times.
18 - Ed Nottle, Lifetime Busher
Ed Nottle joined the Army and then got introduced to baseball. He stayed in baseball for 50 years.
19 - Jim Pankovits, This Is Fun
Jim Pankovits waited nine seasons for his call-up. His start had people wondering why he wasn't called up sooner.
20 - Mickey Pina, Studied the Game
Mickey Pina felt he was an major league player. It didn't work out. He played seven seasons in the pros, but he never made majors.
21 - Phil Plantier, Something Else
Phil Plantier had very a aggressive swing. He went on to play in eight major league seasons.
22 - Mike Rochford, Good Stuff
Mike Rochford had the opportunities to execute in three major league seasons. He got into eight total games.
23 - Larry Shikles, Different Pitches
Larry Shikles used his different pitches to make AAA in the Red Sox system, but not the majors.
24 - Lee Stange, Stayed Within
Lee Stange helped the Red Sox to the 1967 league crown, later went on to be a Red Sox coach.
25 - Tito Stewart, Great Experience
Tito Stewart believed every time he pitched well he was closer to the majors. Never pitched well enough.
26 - Jeff Stone, That Job
Jeff Stone did his pushups, he then found out he was in the game. He hit a double, triple, and had 4 RBIs.
27 - John Trautwein, Greatest Experience
John Trautwein worked four seasons to make majors for nine games. After tragedy, he turned his attention to suicide prevention.
28 - Gary Tremblay, Blocked Them
Gary Tremblay showed how to catch in a spring 1989 game. He never got to do so in the majors.
29 - Scott Wade played over 12 minors seasons, missed bigs
30 - Pete Youngman, Track Record
Pete Youngman has a long track record as a trainer - 20 years with the Sacramento Kings.

1990 Scranton-Wilkes Barre Red Barons player profiles

Features on each member of the 1990 Scranton-Wilkes Barre Red Barons, the AAA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Players are as included in that year's team set. Click on the player's name to learn more.

Interview (1)
1 - Sal Agostinelli, Got Close
Sal Agostinelli did everything he could to make bigs. He's now looking for others that could make it.

1990 Scranton-Wilkes Barre Red Barons (27)
1 - Jim Adduci got majors chances over four seasons, three clubs
2 - Sal Agostinelli played 10 seasons, then scouted, instructed
3 - Eric Boudreaux played 6 pro seasons, made AAA with Phillies
4 - Bill Dancy had specific expectations for over long career
5 - Marvin Freeman, Fine Arm
Marvin Freeman spent time in 10 major league seasons, coming in fourth in the Cy Young voting in one.
6 - Todd Frohwirth, More Excited
Todd Frohwirth didn't have time to think of the first major league batter he faced: Andre Dawson. He also picked up the win.
7 - John Gibbons, Player's Coach
John Gibbons' career began as a first-round pick, but he only was able to manage 18 games in the bigs.
8 - Jason Grimsley, Unnatural Pitching
Jason Grimsley sometimes appeared to throw unnaturally. Turned out, he sometimes did.
9 - Kelly Heath, Drawing Comparisons
Kelly Heath made the majors in 1982 and got a single at bat. He was still playing eight years later, never got back to the bigs.
10 - Ron Jones, Sense of Competitiveness
Ron Jones' career was cut short due to knee injuries. His life was cut short by natural causes.
11 - Chris Knabenshue, Out There
Chris Knabenshue needed a game like he had in 1986. It wasn't enough to make bigs in 10 seasons as a pro.
12 - Greg Legg, Take Advantage
Greg Legg took advantage of his opportunities to make bigs in two seasons, long coaching career, all with the ‪‎Phillies‬.

13 - Chuck Malone, Benefit of the Doubt
Chuck Malone might have been jittery in his major league debut, walking home a run. He pitched in just six more games.
14 - Keith Miller, Big Hit
Keith Miller's first major league hit keyed a Phillies win. He played in two big league seasons.
15 - Brad Moore, Worked Out
Brad Moore was excited to be in the majors. He ultimately played in just eight major league games.
16 - Mickey Morandini, Reckless Abandon
Mickey Morandini signed with the Phillies and went out and did what he always did, hit.
17 - Dickie Noles, Wasn't Awed
Dickie Noles wasn't awed by the majors or the World Series. He was later humbled by addiction.
18 - Barney Nugent, Caring Guy
Barney Nugent helped tend to the San Francisco Giants for 11 seasons as an assistant trainer.
19 - Floyd Rayford, Opposite Field
Floyd Rayford told his players to hit to the opposite field. He has done so in a long coaching career.
20 - Wally Ritchie, Tough Situations
Wally Ritchie threw the pitches he could throw, he did so in four major league seasons.
21 - Victor Rosario, Develop the Bat
Victor Rosario had the tools to make majors, and made it with the Braves. He stayed a month.
22 - Bob Scanlan, His Role
Bob Scanlan tried to concentrate in major league debut, threw seven good innings. He played in nine seasons.
23 - Scott Service, Well-Traveled
Scott Service was well-traveled. He played on nine major league clubs over 12 major league seasons.
24 - Steve Sharts, Went Back
Steve Sharts tried to adjust his delivery, but it wasn't enough for him to make the majors.
25 - Steve Stanicek, Take Advantage
Steve Stanicek dreamed about making the majors. He made it for 13 games.
26 - Jim Vatcher, Only Goal
Jim Vatcher never thought he'd be good enough for the majors. He was.
27 - Jim Wright, Good Tip
Jim Wright knew what arm problems were like. He lost two seasons to arm problems, then helped pitchers return.

1990 Columbus Clippers player profiles, Yankees affiliate

Features on each member of the 1990 Columbus Clippers, AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees. Players are as included in that year's team set.

1990 Columbus Clippers (32)
1 - Steve Adkins' major league career spanned five games
2 - Oscar Azocar saw 3 majors seasons, free-swinger reputation
3 - Clete Boyer played in bigs, coached, had baseball perception
4 - Darrin Chapin made majors for 4 outings in 10 seasons
5 - Jeff Datz, Headed for Third
Jeff Datz made the majors as a coach with the Indians and the Mariners. He barely made it there as a player with the Tigers.
6 - Bobby Davidson, Rain-Shortened
The game that night in 1989 was shortened by rain. Bobby Davidson's career was also shortened by rain.
7 - Brian Dorsett, Hung Around
Brian Dorsett believed he'd get a regular spot in the majors. In 1994, he got it.
8 - Dave Eiland, Part of the Game
Dave Eiland lost out on his first major league win, but shrugged it off. He went on to coach the same team, the Yankees.
9 - John Fishel, Anything Asked
John Fishel did what was asked of him, and played in 19 major league games. He later did so, with unintended results.
10 - John Habyan, Valuable Role
John Habyan proved valuable for the Yankees in 1992. He played in 11 major league seasons.
11 - Mike Heifferon, Hometown Trainer
Mike Heifferon made the 1986 Eastern League All-Star game as a trainer.
12 - Trey Hillman, Adapt and Adjust
Trey Hillman couldn't do with the Royals what he did managing in Japan.

13 - Jimmy Jones, Halfway Decent
Jimmy Jones threw a complete-game shutout in his major league debut. His family was there.
14 - Mark Leiter, Got There
Mark Leiter came back from 3 lost seasons to injury and played in majors for decade.
15 - Jim Leyritz, Second Chances
Jim Leyritz got second chance in 1996 to hit crucial home run. He got a different kind of second chance in 2011.
16 - Jason Maas, Tight Situations
Jason Maas helped Yankees teams in the minors, couldn't in majors, even with his brother there.
17 - Kevin Maas, High Expectations
Kevin Maas prompted early comparisons to Yankee greats. He never really lived up, played just 5 seasons.
18 - Carl "Stump" Merrill, Help for Hitters
Stump Merrill made AAA as a player, later made the majors as a manager with the Yankees.
19 - Kevin Mmahat, Much Fun
Kevin Mmahat's first major league start wasn't much fun. He only got four total appearances.
20 - Rich Monteleone, Building Confidence
Rich Monteleone built confidence with the Yankees early in 1992. He played in 10 major league seasons.
21 - Hensley Meulens, Physical Ability
Hensley Meulens tried to let his physical ability take over. Now he's trying to get others to do same as a Giants coach.

22 - Clay Parker impressed the Yankees on strong scouting reports; Saw four ML campaigns
23 - Hipolito Pena, All the Same
Hipolito Pena wasn't nervous for his first major league appearance. He appeared in three major league seasons.
24 - Ken Rowe, Lot of Knowledge
The Orioles traded for Ken Rowe, later made him their pitching coach. He passed away in 2012.
25 - Dave Sax, Open Some Eyes
Dave Sax looked for chance to impress someone in 1987, didn't get many more.
26 - Rob Sepanek, Played For
Rob Sepanek thought the Braves didn't give him enough time. He later made AAA with the Yankees, but never made the bigs.
27 - Willie Smith, Turning Point
Willie Smith's 1991 season was cut short by surgery to remove abscess on his brain. He played four pro seasons.
28 - Van Snider, Full Outfield
Van Snider made it back to the majors in 1989, but for just eight games, the last of his brief major league career.
29 - Andy Stankiewicz, Helped Them
Andy Stankiewicz hoped he wasn't an insurance policy in 1993. He played in seven major league seasons.
30 - Ricky Torres, Long Reliever
Ricky Torres shut them down in a AA start. He never got the chance to do that in the majors. He played eight seasons.
31 - Jim Walewander, Free Spirit
Jim Walewander was memorable, but he wasn't sure the reason why was best for his career.
32 - Mark Wasinger, Extra Base
Mark Wasinger's first major league hit was a home run. The same day, he got three more hits, all extra base hits.

1990 Omaha Royals player profiles, AAA Kansas City Royals

Features on each member of the 1990 Omaha Royals, AAA affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Players are as included in that year's team set. Click on the player names to learn more.

Interviews (4)
1 - Bobby Meacham's 1st majors call came unexpectedly (3 parts)
2 - Russ Morman had big ML debut, just played game (2 parts)
3 - Sal Rende played well, then got 4 decades in game (2 parts)
4 - Gary Thurman heeded Mom's advice, got long career (2 parts)

1990 Omaha Royals (29)
1 - Jay Baller returned from coma to make bigs, saw 6 ML seasons

2 - Kevin Burrell turned pro, relaxed, saw 11 seasons, made AAA
3 - Ray Chadwick started 7 Angels games, missed out on win
4 - Dera Clark proved exception in college, saw decade in pros
5 - Luis de los Santos thought about bigs daily, made 3 seasons
6 - Rich Dubee coached in minors, later Phillies, others in bigs
7 - Luis Encarnacion played 8 seasons, made Royals for 4 games
8 - Tony Ferreira played decade, saw 2 majors games, helped Cone
9 - Pete Filson liked to play, saw majors over seven seasons
10 - Bob Hamelin saw 6 ML seasons, won Rookie of Year with Royals
11 - Jim LeMasters started, relieved over 6 pro seasons, made AAA
12 - Mike Loggins handled wall in college, saw 7 pro seasons, AAA
13 - Mike Magnante saw injury, 12 ML seasons, then turned teacher
14 - Chito Martinez tried to keep good focus, saw 3 ML seasons
15 - Andy McGaffigan could start or relive, saw 11 majors seasons
16 - Bobby Meacham worked on consistency over six majors seasons
17 - Russ Morman broke out of slump in ML debut, saw 9 ML seasons
18 - Bill Pecota became utility man over 9 major league seasons
19 - Tom Poquette played in bigs, then coached, managed in minors
20 - Harvey Pulliam hit eight ML home runs, two came in one game
21 - Thad Reece had good game for Omaha, saw 9 seasons, made AAA
22 - Sal Rende worked to get players to bigs, for 'us guys' who didn't
23 - Jeff Schulz saw 40 ML games, later turned high school coach
24 - Tim Spehr wasn't home run hitter, but made bigs in 8 seasons
25 - Mel Stottlemyre waited for majors call, made 13 majors games
26 - Gary Thurman made majors over nine seasons, later coached
27 - Mike Tresemer gave team chance at Eugene, saw five seasons
28 - Bill Wilkinson got relief win in 1988 game, saw 3 ML seasons

29 - Paul Zuvella knew he was good enough for bigs, saw 9 seasons

1990 Oklahoma City 89ers player profiles, AAA Texas Rangers

Features on each member of the 1990 Oklahoma City 89ers, AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Players are as included in that year's team set.

Oklahoma City 89ers (31) 
1 - Gerald Alexander threw perfect inning with Rangers
2 - Brad Arnsberg saw bigs over 6 seasons, later turned ML coach
3 - John Barfield relieved, started, in bigs over three seasons
4 - Mike Berger worked trade in pros as player, team official
5 - Nick Capra made it in 1st ML trip, saw 5 seasons, 45 games
6 - Pat Dodson, Impressive Spring
Pat Dodson hit well in the spring of 1987. He made the Red Sox that season and in two others.

7 - Dick Egan, Evaluation Skills
Dick Egan had an unorthodox method of helping Bobby Witt as a coach for the Rangers. Now a special assistant to the Tigers general manager.
8 - Dave Engle, Best Shot
Dave Engle got lessons from Ted Williams. He then played in nine major league seasons.
9 - Pat Garman, That Night
Pat Garman once hit four home runs in one night. In five seasons, he hit only 16 others. He never made the bigs.
10 - Juan Gonzalez, Contract Hitter
Juan Gonzalez lived up to one big contract. He then famously turned down another.
11 - Gary Green, With It
Gary Green tried to stay positive at AAA. He made the majors in five seasons.
12 - Jack Hardy, His Job
Jack Hardy worked at a supermarket in college. He later worked as baseball player, plus five games with the White Sox.
13 - Ray Hayward, Best Shot
Ray Hayward waited his turn, then got his call up to the Padres. He later became a college coach.
14 - John Hoover, Some Only Dream
John Hoover threw good pitches and bad in his career. One in the 1984 gold medal game was a bad one.
15 - Stan Hough, Career in Baseball
Stan Hough delivered promotion news as minor league manager. He never got the big promotion himself.
16 - Bryan House, Only Problem
Bryan House was a catalyst for his Peoria team. It was enough to make AAA, but not the majors.
17 - Steve Lankard, His Personality
Steve Lankard's knee was in pieces. He came back, but he couldn't get to the majors.
18 - David Lynch, Curve Worked
David Lynch's curve served him well and got him to AAA for seven seasons. It never got him to the majors.
19 - Craig McMurtry, See Why
Craig McMurtry had a great rookie year with the Braves, a bad final year with the Astros.
20 - Gar Millay, Good Ballplayer
Gar Millay was remembered as a strong ballplayer, strong under pressure. He passed away in 2011 from cancer.
21 - David Miller, Complete Game
David Miller made AAA Oklahoma City, but he never made the majors.
22 - Robo Niner, Baseball Head
Robo Niner was Oklahoma City's new mascot in 1990. He also wasn't from Oklahoma.
23 - Dean Palmer, More Relaxed
Dean Palmer got more relaxed, started playing his game. He also started hitting home runs.
24 - Mark Petkovsek, Showing His Age
Mark Petkovsek played in nine major league seasons. He tried a comeback in 2003, but didn't make it.
25 - Ray Ramirez, Mets Trainer
Mets trainer Ray Ramirez spent his early days training in the minors, including  at Oklahoma City.
26 - Kevin Reimer, A Lot of Interest
Kevin Reimer opened up eyes playing at AA Tulsa. He went on to open eyes in six major league seasons.
27 - John Russell, Big Enough Thrill
John Russell caught Nolan Ryan's sixth no-hitter, then went on to manage the Pirates.
28 - Jeff Satzinger, Errant Pitch
Jeff Satzinger helped spark his AA team to a win through errant pitch in 1989. He never could do so in the majors.
29 - Steve Smith, Did A Lot
Steve Smith has been a player, a manager and an Amazing Race contestant.
30 - Bernie Tatis, Dominican Prospect
Bernie Tatis first played as a pro at age 19. He rose through the minors to hit AAA, but he never made the majors.
31 - Ron Washington, Playing Options
Ron Washington waited on his coaching career. It eventually took him nearly to the top of the game.

1990 Nashville Sounds player profiles, AAA Cincinnati Reds

Features on each member of the 1990 Nashville Sounds, AAA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.

Interviews (3)
1 - Terry McGriff, Chose Baseball
Terry McGriff chose baseball over football, then made the majors. He went on to play two decades as a pro, then moved into coaching.
2 - Paul Noce, The Deal
Paul Noce took chose to take everyday spot back at AA. It paid off the next year, as he found himself in the majors.
3 - Donnie Scott, Down the Road
Donnie Scott made it back to the majors after six years away. It was preparation for being a manager in the minors.

1990 Nashville Sounds (34) 
1 - Neil Allen found majors success as closer, later as starter
2 - Skeeter Barnes made bigs over 9 seasons, visualized return

3 - Billy Bates hit key WS single, six others in two ML seasons

4 - Freddie Benavides saw 4 bigs seasons; Later coached, managed

5 - Keith Brown made majors over 4 seasons, then fought cancer
6 - Tony DeFrancesco, Communication Skills
Tony DeFrancesco used his communication skills often.
7 - Leo Garcia, High Five
Leo Garcia's high five skills weren't so good. His playing skills were good enough for 54 major league games.
8 - Kip Gross chose Japan over the bigs and became a regular; Saw six ML seasons, five in Japan

9 - Chris Hammond, Lot of Fun
Chris Hammond had fun in his fifth major league season with two-straight shutouts. He went on to play in 14 major league seasons.
10 - Milt Hill, Good Competitor
Milt Hill threw an excellent split-finger, enough to pitch in four major league seasons.
11 - Rodney Imes, No Pressure
Rodney Imes helped AA Albany to the 1989 league championship, he then helped himself to AAA. Imes never could help himself to the majors.
12 - Reggie Jefferson, Inopportune Times
Reggie Jefferson played in nine major league seasons, but he also had his share of injuries.
13 - Chris Jones, Just Hit
Chris Jones told himself to shut up and hit. He then went on to hit in the majors in nine seasons.
14 - Brian Lane, His Day
Brian Lane got a look at a major league perfect-game pitcher. He never got a look at the majors.
15 - Keith Lockhart, Kept Progressing
Keith Lockhart kept progressing and kept working hard. He kept playing in the bigs for 10 seasons.
16 - Chris Lombardozzi, What Happens
Chris Lombardozzi knew the big leagues was possible. His brother got there.
17 - Rob Lopez, Off Balance
Rob Lopez kept hitters off-balance at the University of North Alabama and in the minors. He never got a chance to do so in the majors.
18 - Pete Mackanin, Good Way
Pete Mackanin knew to make a move as manager without waiting. Still waiting for a full-time major league manager's spot.
19 - Terry McGriff, Draft Hopes
Terry McGriff was drafted out of high school, by the team he wanted to be drafted by. It was a dream come true.
20 - Charlie Mitchell, Family Trade
Charlie Mitchell had a chance to make the Red Sox with his brother John. Both made the majors, but not with same team.
21 - Robert Moore, Best Arm
Spotted in spring training, Robert Moore's manager saw him as a reliever. It got him to the majors.
22 - Darryl Motley, Biggest Game
Darryl Motley had good games as a pro, but none were better than Game 7 of the 1985 World Series.
23 - Paul Noce, Hard Work
Paul Noce's advice on making the majors: Work Hard, don't listen to naysayers. Noce worked hard and made it in parts of two seasons.
24 - Kevin Pearson, Goals Set
Kevin Pearson stressed the importance of setting goals in 1991. He never accomplished his personal goal of making the majors.
25 - Ray Rippelmeyer, Those Things
Coach Ray Rippelmeyer wasn't concerned with his starter's slow start in 1975. That starter was Steve Carlton.
26 - Rosario Rodriguez, Key Outs
Rosario Rodriguez got key outs for the Pirates in 1991. He made three major league seasons.

27 - Larry Schmittou helped bring pro ball back to Nashville, focused on fan; Tried for bigs
28 - Donnie Scott, Switch-Hitter
Donnie Scott's father helped teach him to be a switch-hitter. Switch-hitting helped him make the majors.
29 - Scott Scudder, Got Back
Scott Scudder got sent down to start 1990. But he soon returned, and played in a total of five major league seasons.
30 - Bob Sebra, On Purpose
Bob Sebra's final major league pitch was a beanball. The pitch resulted in a suspension, but he never served it.
31 - Eddie Tanner, Playing Time
Eddie Tanner did well enough to make AAA squads in five seasons. He never did well enough to make the bigs.

32 - Luis Vasquez pitched well in AA start, made AAA over four seasons; Missed bigs
33 - Joey Vierra, Greatest Memory
Joey Vierra wanted his major league debut to mean something, if it ever happened. It never did happen.
34 - John Young, All-Star Trainer
John Young was a trainer for a quarter century by 2002. That year, he also returned to the AAA All-Star Game.