John Curtis played college football, 2 pro baseball seasons

John Curtis went on from Ohio's Fairfield High School to Eastern Illinois University in 1986 and his coach touted his playing skills, according to the university.

Curtis' coach was his football coach and the coach spoke of Curtis' quarterbacking skills.

"John has got awfully good feet and he's a pretty pure passer," Fairfield coach Ben Hubbard told the school in a release. "Eastern Illinois has got an excellent recruit. John has always been a winner."

While Curtis went to Eastern Illinois to play football, he also went on to play baseball. He signed with the Pirates as a 20-year-old outfielder. He played two seasons and topped out in short-season ball.

Curtis' career began in 1989, signed by the Pirates as a free agent out of Fairfield and Eastern Illinois.

At Fairfield, Curtis threw a 26-yard touchdown pass in one season-ending contest.

With the Pirates, Curtis started at rookie Princeton. He got into 47 games and hit .209. He also knocked in 17 and stole four bases.

He moved to short-season Welland for 1990. He got into 47 games there and hit .290. He had two home runs and 18 RBI. That season proved his final season as a pro.

• The Keep, Eastern Illinois University, Feb. 12, 1986: Football Signs 16 New Players

More: The 1990 Welland Pirates

1990 Minor League Tally
Players/Coaches Featured:3,317
Made the Majors:1,188-35.8%
Never Made Majors:2,129-64.2%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 492
10+ Seasons in the Minors:287