Chris Lutz pitched well in college, played three pro seasons; Never made AA

University of Michigan pitcher Chris Lutz pitched well in his previous three starts, The Detroit Free Press wrote in May 1986. In the start on this day, he pitched well enough to win.

"I didn't have my stuff," Lutz told The Free Press after the 6-1 Michigan victory. "To be truthful, I didn't have a thing fastball, curve, nothing. I just tried to battle them."

Lutz pitched well enough at Michigan to turn pro two years later. His pro career lasted three seasons. He never made AA.

Lutz' pro career began in 1988, taken by the Cubs in the 43rd round of the draft out of Michigan.

At Michigan in May 1986, Lutz pitched Michigan to a 7-1 win over Iowa on a six-hitter. He also struck out 10 and walked one.

He started with the Cubs in 1988 at short-season Geneva. He went 5-8 over 13 starts, with a 2.64 ERA.

The Chicago Tribune featured the Geneva team and its struggles early that season and noted one scene involving Lutz, writing he expressed frustration by throwing his glove and breaking a window.

Lutz made single-A Charleston for 1989. He went 6-10 there, with a 3.38 ERA over 23 starts. He then played his third season at single-A Peoria. He struck out 14 batters in a July win over Beloit. Overall, he went 12-9, with a 2.90 ERA to mark his final season as a pro.

• Detroit Free Press, May 11, 1986: Pitching off, but U-M wraps up East title
• Chicago Tribune, July 1, 1988: Geneva GM trying not to lose sleep over Class A Cubs' losses

1990 Minor League Tally
Players/Coaches Featured:3,238
Made the Majors:1,167-36.0%
Never Made Majors:2,071-64.0%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 484
10+ Seasons in the Minors:284